American music executive, film producer (1931–2023)
Clarence Avant
Background information
Birth name
Clarence Alexander Avant
Born
(1931-02-25)February 25, 1931 Climax, North Carolina, U.S.
Died
August 13, 2023(2023-08-13) (aged 92) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
R&B
soul
pop
Occupation(s)
Music executive
businessman
film producer
Labels
Venture Records Inc. Sussex Records Tabu Records Motown Records
Formerly of
Gallery The SOS Band Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Sixto Rodriguez
Spouse(s)
Jacqueline Alberta Gray
(m. 1967; died 2021)
Musical artist
Clarence Alexander Avant (February 25, 1931 – August 13, 2023) was a prominent American music executive and film producer. Originating from Climax, North Carolina, Avant began his professional journey in the 1950s, managing Teddy P's Lounge in Newark, New Jersey. Under the guidance of Joe Glaser, a notable music manager of the era, Avant managed a diverse portfolio of artists, ranging from R&B talents like Little Willie John to jazz figures such as Jimmy Smith. In the 1960s, he founded Avant Garde Enterprises, marking a significant step in his contributions to the music sector.
Avant was instrumental in the formation and oversight of several record labels, including Venture Records Inc. and Sussex Records. Additionally, he expanded his professional reach into broadcasting by acquiring KTYM-FM, distinguished as the first African-American owned FM radio station in metropolitan Los Angeles. Avant's business acumen was further demonstrated when he played a role in the sale of Stax Records to Gulf+Western.
Widely recognized as "The Black Godfather",[1][2][3][4] Avant's career was characterized by his advocacy for equitable treatment and compensation for African American artists in the entertainment industry. His efforts were acknowledged with his 2021 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
^"Pioneering Exec Clarence Avant, the Master Mentor". BlackAmericaWeb.com. December 6, 2007. Archived from the original on September 3, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2010 – via Miami Herald. "When you get someone like Quincy Jones calling you the godfather of the industry, that's pretty big," [Andy] Kellman said.
^Goldberg, Danny (2005). How the left lost teen spirit-- (and how they're getting it back). Akashic Books. p. 229. ISBN 978-0-9719206-8-2.
^Daunt, Tina (August 17, 2007). "Black celebs are major players". pqasb.pqarchiver.com L A Times August 2007. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
^L. Carter, Kelley (August 14, 2023). "Clarence Avant was the guy who made sure Black stars got paid". Andscape. ESPN. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
Clarence Alexander Avant (February 25, 1931 – August 13, 2023) was a prominent American music executive and film producer. Originating from Climax, North...
Ambassador to the Bahamas from 2009 to 2011. Nicole Avant is the daughter of Clarence and Jacqueline Avant. Her father, known as "The Black Godfather", was...
American singer ClarenceAvant, a music executive Jason Avant, is a US American football player Avant, Oklahoma, United States The Avant, a high-rise in...
Productions was an American record label founded by ClarenceAvant in 1975. It focused on R&B and funk. Avant founded the label after Sussex Records went out...
Smokey Robinson, music producer, Quincy Jones and music executive, ClarenceAvant. Avery briefly attended Los Angeles Trade-Technicall College and aspired...
from the original on December 7, 2010. Retrieved December 20, 2009. "ClarenceAvant to Be Honored at Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala". Variety. January 28,...
Jaquelyne Ledent-Vilain Charlie Monk Menahem Pressler Melanie Ahmad Jamal ClarenceAvant Rudolph Isley Jean Knight Sixto Rodriguez Marlena Shaw Jerry Bradley...
Ambassador to the Bahamas (2009–2011) Nicole Avant, the daughter of former Motown Chairman ClarenceAvant. The couple live in the Hancock Park neighborhood...
as well as touring with Luther Vandross. After Tabu Records founder ClarenceAvant heard her demo, he signed her to Tabu Records in 1983. Cherrelle decided...
1970, Withers' demo tape was auditioned favorably by ClarenceAvant, owner of Sussex Records. Avant signed Withers to a record deal and assigned former...
(1991–1992). Teresita Abundo, 74, Philippine educator and athlete. ClarenceAvant, 92, American Hall of Fame music executive and film producer (Save the...
relationships, Andrews first introduced the duo to ClarenceAvant. They produced their first work for Avant for the S.O.S. Band. Andrews set up Jam and Lewis's...
Morning Herald. Retrieved August 13, 2023. Aswad, Jem (August 14, 2023). "ClarenceAvant, the 'Godfather of Black Entertainment', Dies at 92". Variety. Retrieved...
Roy Bittan, Max Weinberg, Steven Van Zandt, Nils Lofgren, Patti Scialfa, Clarence Clemons, Danny Federici, Vini Lopez, and David Sancious. ^ C. Inducted...
Rodriguez had been cheated out of royalties over the years, specifically by ClarenceAvant. Rodriguez first expressed indifference to these "symbols of success"...
of action films of 2023 List of animated feature films of 2023 List of avant-garde films of 2023 List of crime films of 2023 List of comedy films of...
and Terry Lewis, Gene Dozier, The S.O.S. Band – producers, arrangers ClarenceAvant – executive producer Tina Stephans – A&R coordinator Ron Cristopher...
fight did not take place until February 6, 1967. Glaser was a mentor to ClarenceAvant. Obituary, New York Times, May 17, 1969, p. 33; "Joseph G. Glaser Is...
Indian Mappila songs singer Berit Lindholm, 88, Swedish opera singer 13 ClarenceAvant, 92, American music executive Magoo, 50, American rapper and songwriter...
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