Clarence Avant, the entertainment industry’s ‘Black Godfather,” has died aged 92

Known affectionately as the “Black Godfather” of the US entertainment industry, the highly influential music executive and film producer Clarence Avant died aged 92 at his home in Los Angeles, California overnight. The family announced his death via a statement, but the cause of death has not been disclosed to the public thus far. 

“It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant,” the statement read. “Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports. 

“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.  The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.  Clarence passed away gently at home in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 13, 2023.”

Avant's career began as a nightclub manager, but his visionary approach led him to manage notable artists like Lalo Schifrin and Jimmy Smith during the 1960s. His path evolved into founding two record labels, through which he introduced iconic artists like Bill Withers, Sixto Rodriguez and the dynamic duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. His entrepreneurial spirit shone as he played a pivotal role in brokering the sale of the legendary Stax Records in the late '60s.

Avant's career spanned diverse ventures, from music to radio and beyond. He played a pivotal role in launching one of the first fully black-owned radio stations, showcasing his commitment to promoting diverse voices and viewpoints. However one of his most celebrated roles was that of an industry mentor, offering guidance and support extended to an eclectic range of figures, from music moguls like L.A. Reid, Babyface, Sylvia Rhone and Jimmy Iovine, to legendary artists like Rodriguez.

Beyond music, Avant was a vocal advocate for black culture and equality. He didn't hesitate to use his influence to defend and elevate black voices in the entertainment industry. As a consultant to MGM and ABC in the 1970s, he took stands to uphold and promote black culture, leaving a lasting impact on media representation.

That led him to then become a political advisor, working with Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Barack Obama, demonstrating his ability to inform these leaders through his influence for social change and progress on a larger scale. 

Avant’s unparalleled network spanned various sectors, enabling him to bridge gaps and foster collaborations that might not have been possible otherwise; to be able to undertake it across not only the entertainment but also the political spectrum later in life only shows how far-reaching his influence was.

Avat is survived by his children Nicole and Alexander and son-in-law Ted Sarando; he tragically lost his wife, Jacqueline Gray, in late 2021 when she was shot to death in a burglary attempt at their Los Angeles home.