On Sunday (Aug. 14), the music trade misplaced a titan when Clarence Avant — dubbed the “Godfather of Black Music” — died at his dwelling in Los Angeles at age 92.
“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 come back,” Avant’s household stated in an announcement. “The enjoyment of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
That legacy looms giant: Within the wake of Avant’s passing, artists, executives and political leaders have been reacting to the lack of the legendary govt, who helped launch the careers of vital skills comparable to Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Invoice Withers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. Avant additionally mentored youthful executives who turned trade heavyweights themselves — amongst them, Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Sony Music Publishing chairman/CEO Jon Platt.
Avant’s contributions to the trade have been so profound that he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame in 2021 and was honored by the Recording Academy with the Grammy Salute to Business Icons award in 2019, amongst quite a few different honors. However his contributions to the tradition prolonged past music into varied different realms, together with politics (he famously slept within the Lincoln Bed room within the White Home after he helped Invoice Clinton get elected) and sports activities, working with athletes comparable to Jim Brown (whom he helped transition right into a Hollywood appearing profession), Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali.
Unsurprisingly, Avant’s loss of life prompted a flood of tributes from luminaries throughout a number of spheres. Under you could find all of them.
Invoice and Hillary Clinton: “Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our good friend Clarence Avant, whose legendary profession introduced artists and their music to tens of millions of individuals. He additionally used his success to open doorways of alternative to new generations of entrepreneurs and promoters. He was skillful, savvy, heat, and sensible. It was not possible to spend time with him and never come away feeling extra optimistic and eager to comply with his instance. We simply cherished him.
“We give thanks for his lengthy, good life and our a long time of friendship, and we’re grateful that his legacy will endure within the music he helped deliver into the world, and in all those that have been touched by his compassion, mentorship, and generosity. Our hearts are with Nicole, Alex and everybody else who cherished and can miss him.”
Barack and Michelle Obama: “Clarence Avant was one in every of our favourite folks. He exemplified a sure stage of cool and avenue smarts that allowed him to maneuver confidently into worlds that no one had ready him for, by no means doubting he may determine it out. Clarence was a part of a era that served as a bridge from a time when there was little or no alternative for Black folks to a time when doorways started to open. He demanded the world make room, and he paved the best way for the remainder of us. Michelle and I’ll at all times be thankful for Clarence’s friendship and sensible counsel. Our ideas are with Nicole, Alex, Ted and and everybody whose life was touched by a really outstanding man.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman/CEO of Common Music Group: “Clarence Avant’s extraordinary musical legacy has been felt for many years and will probably be felt for many years to come back. He will probably be remembered as each an excellent 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. We’ve 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 complete household.”
Jon Platt, chairman/CEO of Sony Music Publishing: “It’s tough to course of the lack of Clarence Avant. Clarence was an ally and mentor to me and plenty of others who adopted the path he blazed. As one of many main architects of the Black leisure enterprise, he expanded alternatives for executives of coloration and supported us alongside our journey. Clarence Avant positively impacted my life the second he walked into it, filling a void that I didn’t know existed. Clarence is the closest particular person to a father that I ever had. He typically would say, “Life is about numbers…you’re born with a quantity, and you permit earth with a quantity…”. And he was proper, however what Clarence additionally confirmed me is life is concerning the variety of lives you affect if you are right here. I’m without end grateful for Clarence’s robust love and encouragement. I’m additionally grateful to Mrs. Avant, Nicole, Alex, and Ted for sharing Clarence with all of us.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs: “Clarence Avant was an irreplaceable pressure within the music trade. He was a mentor and a private good friend whose affect is unparalleled. His visionary method and unwavering dedication broke obstacles for black artists, propelling them to new heights. As we honor this trailblazer, we’re reminded of his enduring legacy that continues to dwell on, inspiring a era of artists and shaping the trade.”
Pharrell Williams: “Clarence Avant was 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 stared adversity within the face in climates and situations that weren’t welcoming to people who seemed like him. However by means of his expertise and relentless spirit within the pursuit to be the most effective of the most effective, he garnered the help and friendship of people that in any other case wouldn’t look in our path. He confirmed them what we could be, what we are able to do, and the way rather more we are able to all obtain in case you give us alternative. He has been behind so many musical greats, folks 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 finished 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 operating a rare race in his lifetime, he handed the baton to us. The query now’s 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, associates, 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 celebs up within the heavens with The Grasp. Some folks 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.”
Evan Lamberg, president of North America at Common Music Publishing Group: “Clarence Avant was an extremely optimistic life recreation changer for anybody that was fortunate sufficient to be in his orbit. Moreover being a fantastic music man and leisure govt, he was one of many biggest civil and human rights leaders of our time. The world is a significantly better place, for all of us, due to Clarence Avant. My deepest condolences to his stunning household. Might he relaxation in everlasting peace.”
Irving Azoff: “We’ve misplaced the godfather. The enterprise would look nothing like this if it weren’t for Clarence. He had the largest coronary heart of any of us regardless of him making an attempt to cover it! What a fantastic man.”
L.A. Reid: “Within the wake of Clarence Avant’s passing, I discover it tough to place into phrases the depth of loss I really feel. Clarence was not only a music govt and rights chief; he was one in every of a form, a real unique who possessed a real and profound look after others. My coronary heart goes out to his beloved kids, Nicole, and Alex, in addition to to the reminiscence of his late spouse Jacqueline.
“Clarence’s legacy is etched within the indelible marks he left on the music trade and in his tireless efforts for the rights of us all. But, what really units him aside was his unwavering compassion and his potential to attach with all folks on a private stage. He was the embodiment of sincerity, a rarity in a world typically marked by pretense. His absence will go away a void that can’t be simply crammed.
“As we come to phrases with this loss, allow us to rejoice the affect he made on numerous lives and the love he shared. My ideas and sympathies are with Nicole and Alex, and I stand with them on this tough time, providing my help and care. Clarence’s presence, his kindness, and his legacy will without end echo in our hearts. I’ll deeply miss him.”
Valerie Simpson, songwriter (Ashford & Simpson): “‘The Black Godfather’ I knew and I marveled at his deal making however throughout trip instances with Quincy he’d converse in his personal manner and say how a lot he cherished Ashford & Simpson music. Clarence would let free a vocabulary of cuss phrases – by no means earlier than heard that will enlighten me and make me snort – and I’ll miss that authenticity and life!”
Quincy Jones: “There’ll by no means be sufficient phrases to specific how a lot Clarence Avant meant to me. He was my dearest good friend, my brother, my confidant, my mentor, and my counsel for greater than 60 years. Clarence at all times instructed me the reality in each facet of my life, even when he knew I didn’t wish to hear it…and on this enterprise everyone knows what a rarity that’s. There’ll by no means be one other like Clarence Avant, and I’ll miss his presence every single day.”
Clive Davis: “Clarence Avant was really one in every of a form. His passing is a superb lack of somebody who’s irreplaceable. Clarence’s extraordinary contribution to music and the obstacles he broke all through his profession are unequalled. He was the mentor to all Black executives within the music trade for many years, offering invaluable steering and help whereas at all times standing up for equal rights. Clarence was humane and truthful and impressed love and respect from all who knew him. I personally cherished him and can miss him without end.”
Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff (Gamble & Huff): “Clarence Avant was a fantastic good friend of ours. He undoubtedly made his mark within the trade. He will probably be really missed. We ship our honest condolences to his household.”
Berry Gordy: “With the passing of Clarence Avant the world has misplaced an icon, his household has misplaced their patriarch, and I misplaced an expensive good friend. Clarence earned his popularity because the Black Godfather for good motive. Folks, particularly musicians and artists, went to him once they have been in bother and a technique or one other, he would repair the issue. Clarence was constantly engaged within the issues that made a distinction. He cherished politics and was very concerned with many charities.
“Of his quite a few skilled accomplishments – Clarence was most happy with 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.”
T.I.: “Maaaan, wakened this morning and couldn’t consider this information!! RIP to The Black Godfather Clarence Avant, thanks for all of the knowledge you’ve shared and the trail you paved for artists like myself.”
Roc Nation: “Clarence Avant isn’t simply the “Godfather Of Black Music,” he’s our cultural Godfather. 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 at all times will probably be a large amongst us.”
Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame: “In Memoriam: 2021 Inductee Clarence Avant, often called “The Black Godfather,” was cool, savvy, assured, and fearless — somebody who made the seemingly not possible attainable. Avant served a wide range 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 potential to attach folks, open doorways, and supply alternatives for numerous musicians, actors, and politicians. Corridor of Famer Invoice Withers completely summed up Avant’s affect: ‘He put folks collectively.’”
Earvin “Magic” Johnson: “Relaxation in peace to the legendary, game-changing “Black Godfather”, and my nice good friend Clarence Avant. His accomplishments converse for themselves. As a former music supervisor, he based two report labels and bought the primary totally black-owned radio station. He consulted many main studios within the Seventies and suggested Presidents Jimmy Carter, Invoice Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama. He additionally served as chairman of the board at Motown Information, promoted Michael Jackson’s BAD tour and is accountable for discovering most of the most unimaginable music artists we all know right this moment.”
Kevin Liles, chairman/CEO of 300 Elektra Leisure: “RIP Clarence Avant, Godfather of Black Music. You’ll be missed my good friend. Relaxation in Peace.”
Ben Crump, civil rights legal professional: “Clarence Avant — the Godfather of Black music — has died at 92. Often known as the good connector within the industries of music, leisure, and even in politics, he spent a long time shaping Black tradition and nurturing artists. His legacy will LIVE ON. Relaxation In Energy, Godfather.”
Sherrilyn Ifill, former president/director-counself of NAACP Authorized Protection Fund: “‘The Godfather’ has left us. This man was singularly accountable for serving to so many Black artists receives a commission their value. Additionally was a beautiful supporter & former board member of @NAACP_LDF. Relaxation in Peace & Energy #ClarenceAvant.”
Reverend Al Sharpton: “#ClarenceAvant was a revolutionary. When folks within the leisure world have been delegated to a close to grasp/slave relationship, he broke by means of that wall of exploitation and made us revered enterprise folks. I can’t depend the large quantity of conditions that he negotiated.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: “Mr. Avant gave a lot to Los Angeles — producing a sound that Influenced generations whereas ceaselessly combating for civil rights and equal therapy beneath the legislation.
My ideas are with the Avant household and all who mourn this huge loss.”
Barry Weiss, CEO of RECORDS: “RIP Clarence Avant. I can’t consider I’m really scripting this. This man was a real legend for actual. A nationwide treasure. He was like a second father to me. Advanced, sensible, a tricky exhausting exterior however a good looking smooth considerate sort gentleman on the within. He was at all times there for me and my father and we have been at all times there for him. Nothing I can say right here can come near describing what a tremendous particular person Clarence was. So I’II go away a lot of the phrases to the numerous others, the legions of trade executives and artists (to not point out the nation’s presidents) that Clarence helped. There’ll by no means be one other like him. My final time hugging him in LA in February is a hug I’ll always remember. All of us love you Clarence. Relaxation simple.”
Jody Gerson, chairman/CEO at Common Music Publishing Group: “There aren’t any phrases that may totally seize Clarence Avant’s affect. He was a legend – a pioneering pressure in music, devoted champion for Black artists, cultural trailblazer and highly effective voice for humanitarian efforts. Clarence’s legacy will dwell on by means of the numerous artists, songwriters, producers, executives and associates he mentored and supported. All of us at UMPG ship our deepest condolences to his household and all who knew and cherished him.”
David Geffen: “Clarence’s mark on the music trade will probably be felt for generations. With out him and his highly effective presence, we might have been disadvantaged of a lot expertise. These he labored with, suggested, and supported are without end lucky. He was a pioneer who turned a legend and he was an expensive good friend whom I’ll miss.“
Benny Medina: “All of us cherished each Jackie and Clarence Avant. The Godfather is together with his Queen. Clarence and Jackie Avant each go away a legacy of giving, management, inspiration, educating us all to do extra for others, to work collectively and constructing not solely careers however lives of objective. They each led a lifetime of integrity, grace, gratitude and humility. Clarence, ‘The Godfather,’ paved a highway that created and led to alternative for all those that watched and listened. Whereas he’s acknowledged for his work on behalf of stars, artists, writers and producers… the doorways he opened for these of us of coloration, modified the face and gender of the chief construction of the music and leisure enterprise. l comply with in these footsteps going ahead and can always remember how blessed and lucky we have been to come across and expertise The Avant Contact.”
Sylvia Rhone, chairwoman/CEO at Epic Information: “Clarence Avant had a presence and spirit greater than life itself. We have been very shut associates and I thought-about him a trusted advisor. He influenced and mentored numerous African American folks within the music/movie/TV enterprise. He was sort, hilarious, artist-friendly, beneficiant together with his time, knew everybody who was vital to know in Hollywood and wielded a quiet however forceful energy. Clarence was only a hell of a man with a fantastic humorousness and crammed with laughter. I’ve recognized him since my first day within the enterprise and from then till right this moment, he’ll at all times have a particular place in my coronary heart and I’ll miss him deeply.”
Suzanne de Passe, co-chairman at de Passe Jones Leisure Group: “There was nobody on the planet like Clarence Avant. Each time I noticed him I got here away with some helpful nugget, philosophy, enterprise lesson or a enjoyable time with plenty of gossip and ‘naughty phrases’…principally it was all the above. My coronary heart breaks for Nicole, Alex, Ted and for all of us who cherished Clarence and can miss him so, but we are able to rejoice in having recognized such a particular human being and we rejoice a life effectively lived.”
