Clarence Avant, the legendary music government nicknamed the “Godfather of Black Music,” died on Sunday at his house in Los Angeles. He was 92.
The information was confirmed in an announcement launched by Avant’s household. “Clarence leaves behind a loving household and a sea of associates and associates which have modified the world and can proceed to vary the world for generations to return,” they mentioned. “The enjoyment of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
Avant, born in North Carolina in 1931, obtained his begin within the music enterprise within the ’50s, managing Little Willie John, Sarah Vaughan, Kim Weston, Tom Wilson and lots of others. From 1967-69, he labored for Enterprise Data, adopted by the launch of his Los Angeles-based label, Sussex Data, the place he signed acts like Invoice Withers, guitarist Dennis Coffey and the rock band Gallery.
Avant additionally based Avant Garde Broadcasting in 1971 and purchased the primary African-American-owned FM radio station in metropolitan L.A. Within the ’80s, he co-promoted Michael Jackson’s first solo world tour; he was Motown’s chairman of the board within the ’90s. In 2021, he was given the Ahmet Ertegun Award by the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame. All through his profession, he suggested a number of artists, producers and trade executives, together with Quincy Jones, David Geffen, Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, Jimmy Iovine and Snoop Dogg.
Hearken to Invoice Withers’ ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’
“He is a trainer, he is a grasp communicator, he is the proper marriage between avenue sense and customary sense,” Lionel Richie mentioned on the 2021 Rock Corridor ceremony the place he inducted Avant. In 2019, a movie about Avant referred to as The Black Godfather was launched and included testimonials from artists in addition to high-profile figures like former presidents Barack Obama and Invoice Clinton.
“I need individuals to be impressed to assist others and share the blessing,” Nicole Avant, Avant’s daughter and producer of the movie advised The Hollywood Reporter on the time. “Generally actual energy is behind the scenes, serving to individuals obtain their goals.”
Watch the Trailer for ‘The Black Godfather’
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