Clarence Avant, a prominent figure known for his influential role in music, entertainment, and politics, has passed away. Avant was a skilled executive and businessman who played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous musicians, entertainers, athletes, and politicians across generations. A statement released by Avant’s family confirmed his peaceful passing at the age of 92 in his Los Angeles home on Sunday.
The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed. Avant was a significant power broker across various domains, actively contributing to the growth of Black artists and the advancement of Black-owned enterprises. His achievements encompass a wide range, including discovering singer-songwriter Bill Withers, organizing Michael Jackson’s inaugural solo tour, and holding the position of chairman at Motown Records.
He mentored notable producers like Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Diddy while collaborating with sports icons such as Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Jim Brown, and Muhammad Ali. His influence extended beyond entertainment, as he wielded substantial influence in politics. He offered counsel to President George H.W.
Bush and served as a fundraiser for Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Born on February 25, 1931, in Greensboro, N.C., Avant embarked on his career by managing various artists during his youth. He handled talents like blues singer Little Willie John, film music composer Lalo Schifrin, jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan, and jazz organist Jimmy Smith.
In 2019, Netflix produced a documentary about Avant, titled “The Black Godfather,” using his well-known nickname. The film included reflections from former President Obama, who highlighted Avant’s role in bridging the gap between times when opportunities for Black talent were scarce and the era when doors began to open. Avant’s contributions were recognized when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
Avant reappeared in the media following a tragedy in December 2021: his wife, Jacqueline, whom he had been married to since 1967, was tragically shot and killed during a violent burglary at their Beverly Hills residence. In April 2022, the perpetrator was sentenced to 190 years in prison. Surviving Avant are his daughter Nicole, a former U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas and a film producer.
Nicole’s spouse, Ted Sarandos, who is co-CEO of Netflix, and his son Alex Avant, a talent representative. HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: (L-R) Clarence Avant and Nicole Avant speak at The African American Film Critics Association’s 11th Annual AAFCA Awards at Taglyan Cultural Complex on January 22, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images,)HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: (L-R) Clarence Avant and Nicole Avant speak at The African American Film Critics Association’s 11th Annual AAFCA Awards at Taglyan Cultural Complex on January 22, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images,)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 03: Jamie Foxx, Jon Platt, Byron Phillips, Clarence Avant, Jeff Dixon, Shaka Zulu, Andre Harrell, Jesse Collins and Alexander Devore Avant attend Netflix world premiere of “THE BLACK GODFATHER at the Paramount Theater on June 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix)HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: (L-R) Jacqueline Avant, Clarence Avant, CCO of Netflix Ted Sarandos, Nicole Avant, and Reginald Hudlin attend The African American Film Critics Association’s 11th Annual AAFCA Awards at Taglyan Cultural Complex on January 22, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
