By unknown (credit: Netflix) - https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/clarence-avant-pioneering-entertainment-figure-dead-at-92/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74592253
He was known as the “Black Godfather,” and his influence is virtually everywhere in music.. Today we mourn the passing at age 92 of the great Clarence Avant, a Renaissance Man who was one of the most influential executives in music and who was one-degree-of-separation from virtually everyone in the business.
The North Carolina-born Avant began his career in the 1950s managing and promoting jazz and R&B artists, including such notables as Sarah Vaughan and Freddie Hubbard. In the 1960s he founded Sussex Records, a platform for innovative and diverse music from Bill Withers to Dennis Coffey. He also led KAGB-FM, the first African-American owned radio station in Los Angeles.
In the 70s and 80s, Avant helped launch the production careers of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis through his Tabu Records, a monster of a music label that featured such artists as the S.O.S. Band, Cherrelle and Alexander O’Neal.
He was known as the “Black Godfather,” and his influence is virtually everywhere in music.. Today we mourn the passing at age 92 of the great Clarence Avant, a Renaissance Man who was one of the most influential executives in music and who was one-degree-of-separation from virtually everyone in the business.
The North Carolina-born Avant began his career in the 1950s managing and promoting jazz and R&B artists, including such notables as Sarah Vaughan and Freddie Hubbard. In the 1960s he founded Sussex Records, a platform for innovative and diverse music from Bill Withers to Dennis Coffey. He also led KAGB-FM, the first African-American owned radio station in Los Angeles.
In the 70s and 80s, Avant helped launch the production careers of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis through his Tabu Records, a monster of a music label that featured such artists as the S.O.S. Band, Cherrelle and Alexander O’Neal.
Beyond his work as a music executive, Avant's influence expanded into film, television, and politics. He played a pivotal role in helping to establish Motown Records' presence on the West Coast and was instrumental in shaping the careers of prominent Black artists. Avant's commitment to advancing the interests of African Americans in the entertainment industry led him to form strong alliances with influential figures, including politicians and civil rights activists.
Clarence Avant's legacy goes beyond his professional accomplishments. His philanthropic endeavors have contributed to educational initiatives and opportunities for young people aspiring to enter the entertainment world. His charismatic personality, astute business sense, and commitment to empowerment earned him the respect and admiration of countless individuals, and resulted in recognition in the noted Netflix documentary, The Black Godfather.
Avant was preceded in death by his wife Jacquline Gray, who died in 2021.