A myriad of notable Hollywood stars and figures are remembering the late Clarence Avant.
Referred to as the “Godfather of Black Music,” Avant died on the age of 92 on Sunday at his residence in Los Angeles, his household introduced in a press release.
“Clarence leaves behind a loving household and a sea of buddies and associates which have modified the world and can proceed to alter the world for generations to return,” the Avant/Sarandos household mentioned. “The enjoyment of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
His demise got here 20 months after his spouse of 54 years, philanthropist Jacqueline Avant, was shot and killed by an intruder of their Beverly Hills residence within the early morning hours of Dec. 1, 2021.
The recording trade insider impressed a number of generations of artists and executives. Among the many notable names he suggested are Quincy Jones, David Geffen, Jay-Z, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Pharrell Williams, Whitney Houston, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Lionel Richie, Jimmy Iovine, Irving Azoff, Reginald Hudlin, Sylvia Rhone, Queen Latifah, Jheryl Busby, Jon Platt, Sean Combs, Snoop Dogg and Jamie Foxx.
Throughout his profession, Avant turned the chairman of Motown Information after its sale to Polygram in 1993; managed Sarah Vaughan, Jimmy Smith, Lalo Schifrin and Freddie Hubbard and brokered the sale of Stax Information within the Nineteen Sixties; found and signed “Ain’t No Sunshine” singer Invoice Withers within the ’70s and co-promoted “Unhealthy,” Michael Jackson’s first solo world tour, within the ’80s.
Avant operated his Inside Music Group and Avant Garde Music publishing corporations till they have been offered to Common Music Group in 2018. Amongst different accomplishments, Avant was inducted within the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame in 2021, has been awarded the Trade Icon Award on the Grammys and he has a star on the Hollywood Stroll of Fame.
In a press release despatched to The Hollywood Reporter, Pharell described Avant as “a visionary and a transcendent spirit.”
“He’s the final word instance of what change appears like, what architecting change appears like, and what the success of change appears like,” he mentioned in a press release. “He stared adversity within the face in climates and circumstances that weren’t welcoming to folks that seemed like him. However by means of his expertise and relentless spirit within the pursuit to be one of the best of one of the best, he garnered the help and friendship of people that in any other case wouldn’t look in our route. He confirmed them what we will be, what we will do, and the way way more we will all obtain when you give us alternative,”
The assertion continued, “He has been behind so many musical greats, individuals in and throughout the leisure trade, and I’m so honored to have recognized him. He was a Godfather, a Godfather to the Black dream and a Godfather to the American dream. There’ll by no means be one other like him. It’s my hope and need that others will see what he’s completed and attempt to go even additional, as a result of that’s what he needed and that’s why he did what he did. He needed to encourage. Whereas working a rare race in his lifetime, he handed the baton to us. The query now could be how we’re going to honor him and what we are going to we do with the baton. I give honor to GOD, my savior, and I give honor to his household, buddies, and the numerous individuals who have been impacted by his presence and time on this planet. Continued blessings and favor to Nicole, Alex, and Ted. Final however not least, his spirit is amongst the celebrities up within the heavens with The Grasp. Some individuals use the phrase “handed away.” I don’t as a result of perhaps the time has handed, however I don’t know that you just’re away. Clarence went again up from whence he got here…heaven. Blessings.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Common Music Group, mentioned in a press release to THR: “Clarence Avant’s extraordinary musical legacy has been felt for many years and shall be felt for many years to return. He shall be remembered as each a superb catalyst and protector of tradition. His understated but highly effective affect transcended music, spanning the worlds of leisure, sports activities and politics. I’m profoundly grateful for his friendship and mentorship. Now we have misplaced an incomparable visionary whose brilliance, humor, irreverence, and love made the world a greater place. On behalf of everybody at UMG, we provide our deepest condolences to Nicole, Ted and Alex and to their total household.”
In a tribute, founding father of the Motown document label Berry Gordy shared to THR, “With the passing of Clarence Avant the world has misplaced an icon, his household has misplaced their patriarch, and I misplaced a pricey pal. Clarence earned his fame as the Black Godfather for good motive. Folks, particularly musicians and artists, went to him when they have been in hassle and one wayor one other, he would repair the drawback. Clarence was constantly engaged within the issues that made a distinction. He beloved politics and was very concerned with many charitiess. Of his quite a few skilled accomplishments — Clarence was most proud of his household – his beloved spouse Jacqueline, his son Alex, his daughter Nicole and her husband Ted Sarandos. My coronary heart goes out to them. Our Black Godfather could also be gone – however he won’t ever be forgotten.”
Clive Davis shared a photograph of himself with Avant on social media writing, “Clarence Avant was actually one among a form. His passing is a good lack of somebody who’s irreplaceable. Clarance’s extraordinary contribution to music and the obstacles he broke all through his profession are unmatched. He was the mentor to all Black executives within the music trade for many years, offering invaluable steering and help whereas all the time standing up for equal rights. Clarence was humane and truthful and impressed love and respect from all who knew him. I personally beloved him and can miss him ceaselessly.”
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Entertainment remembered Avant as “our cultural Godfather,” saying in a press release, “All through his life, he burst by means of doorways and tore down ceilings, altering lives and offering alternatives for generations. A real pioneer, a mentor and a champion, Clarence Avant is and all the time shall be an enormous amongst us.”
The Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame additionally mentioned in a press release, “2021 Inductee Clarence Avant, referred to as ‘The Black Godfather,’ was cool, savvy, assured, and fearless — somebody who made the seemingly unattainable potential. Avant served quite a lot of roles throughout his illustrious profession, together with supervisor, label proprietor, live performance organizer, occasion producer, political fundraiser, and mentor. He was the quintessential impresario, with an uncanny capacity to attach individuals, open doorways, and supply alternatives for numerous musicians, actors, and politicians. Corridor of Famer Invoice Withers completely summed up Avant’s affect: ‘He put individuals collectively.’”
All through Avant’s profession, he was an affect in politics, seeding the early careers of Presidents Barack Obama, Invoice Clinton and Jimmy Carter. Political figures paid tribute to Avant together with Clinton, former Democratic Nationwide Committee Chair Donna Brazile and former White Home aide and Nationwide Black Justice Coalition co-founder Keith Boykin.
“It was unattainable to spend time with Clarence Avant and never come away feeling extra constructive and desirous to observe his instance. Hillary and I simply beloved him,” former President Invoice Clinton shared on social media.
President and director-counsel of the NAACP Authorized Protection and Academic Fund Sherriliyn Ifill wrote, “‘The Godfather’ has left us. This man was singularly accountable for serving to so many Black artists receives a commission their value. Additionally was an exquisite supporter & former board member of @NAACP_LDF.”
“Goodbye my pal. Sending my condolences to his household and plenty of buddies,” Brazile wrote.
See tributes as they arrive in, under.
