Clarence Avant, "Godfather of Black Music" & industry legend, dead at 92

Clarence Avant, the music industry vet who was known as the “Godfather of Black Music,” has died at age 92. “Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come,” his family wrote in a statement. “The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”

Born in Climax, North Carolina, Avant landed sideways in the music business after moving to New York. While working at Newark’s Teddy P’s Lounge, he met blues artist Little Willie John who liked Avant and asked him to manage him. He would go on to work with Sarah Vaughan, Jimmy Smith, composer Lalo Schifrin, and more. He also helped broker the sale of Stax Records in 1960s, signed Bill Withers, founded KAGB-FM (Avant Garde Broadcasting, one of the first black-owned stations in the US), and launched two record labels, Sussex and Tabu.

Avant was also the promoter of Michael Jackson’s Bad tour, the singer’s first-ever solo world tour, was Motown’s chairman for four years in the ’90s, mentored Quincy Jones, Jimmy & Terry Lewis, L.A. Reid, and many others.

Avant was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, receiving the Ahmet Ertegun Award. Lionel Richie, who inducted him, said, “There’s no way possible you can talk about Clarence Avant in four minutes…He’s a teacher. He’s a master communicator. He’s the perfect marriage between street sense and common sense. And what he did for us, and what I mean by us is the sons and daughters of the Afro-American community, he was the one that brought us to some understanding of what the music business was all about.” You can watch him get inducted below.

“Clarence’s extraordinary contribution to music and the barriers he broke throughout his career are unrivaled,” industry legend Clive Davis told Billboard. “He was the mentor to all Black executives in the music industry for decades, providing invaluable guidance and support while always standing up for equal rights.  Clarence was humane and fair and inspired love and respect from all who knew him. I personally loved him and will miss him forever.”

Roc Nation wrote, “Clarence Avant isn’t just the ‘Godfather Of Black Music,’ he is our cultural Godfather. Throughout his life, he burst through doors and tore down ceilings, changing lives and providing opportunities for generations. A true pioneer, a mentor and a champion, Clarence Avant is and always will be a giant among us.”

Rest in peace, Clarence.