Clarence Avant, whose unofficial title of the 'Black Godfather' spanned the worlds of music, sports, entertainment and politics, has died aged 92, according to a statement from his family.
spanned the worlds of music, sports, entertainment and politics, died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, according to a statement from his family. No cause of death was provided; he was 92.
He launched one of the first fully Black-owned radio stations, and didn’t hesitate to take stands in defense of Black culture as a consultant to MGM and ABC in the 1970s. He also served as an advisor, official and otherwise, to Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama. Lionel Richie presents Clarence Avant the Ahmet Ertegun Award during the 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland in 2021.Avant referenced his mentor, former Louis Armstrong and Barbra Streisand manager Joe Glaser, when asked about the breadth of his ambitions. “It all goes back to something Joe Glaser taught me: aim high,” he said. “You can’t walk up the Empire State building — you’ll get tired, your knees might give out.
During the ‘80s he founded Tabu Records and released hits by the SOS Band, Alexander O’Neil and Cherrelle, among others. He also worked closely with then-budding hitmakers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis — helping to connect them with Janet Jackson to produce her 1986 breakthrough “Control” album — and advised L.A. Reid and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds on the launch of LaFace Records. He also was the promoter of Michael Jackson’s first-ever solo tour, the 1988 “Bad” tour.
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