21/08/2023
This is how you celebrate your own icons.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History would like to express its sadness upon hearing the passing of Clarence Avant, Music Executive, Businessman & Film Producer and known to many as the “Godfather of Black Music”. Mr. Avant was 92.
Mr. Avant’s legacy crosses many generations, from managing Sarah Vaughan to discovering Bill Withers & signing Detroit singer/songwriter the late Rodriguez (Searching for Sugar Man). He also co-promoted “Bad,” Michael Jackson’s first solo world tour, and he also served as Motown’s chairman of the board in the 1990’s.
Through the decades, Mr. Avant advised countless producers, executives and artists among them Quincy Jones, David Geffen, Jay-Z, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Pharrell Williams, Whitney Houston, Antonio “L.A” Reid, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Lionel Richie, Jimmy Lovine, Irving Azoff, Reginald Hudlin, Sylvia Rhone, Queen Latifah, Jheryl Busby, Jon Platt, Sean Combs, Snoop Dogg and Jamie Fox.
Mr. Avant wore many titles, he was a teacher, mentor, advisor, and master communicator. He was able to bring his knowledge of civic engagement, social activism, and the power of giving back to the community on a broader scale.
In 2018, Mr. Avant operated his Interior Music Group and Avant Garde Music publishing companies until they were sold in 2018 to Universal Music Group.
In 2019, Mr. Avant was the subject of a Netflix Documentary “The Black Godfather” He was an active political fundraiser and in 2021 Mr. Avant received the Ahmet Ertegun Award from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, just one of his many awards and accomplishments.
Mr. Avant’s leadership and legacy will be missed but his hard work and admiration will continue through the many he encouraged and supported throughout his long & successful career.