Clarence Avant, “The Black Godfather,” has died. Clarence helped launch the careers or guide the careers of all kinds of folks like Quincy Jones, Bill Withers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and The S.O.S. Band, among many others.
Avant died quietly at his home here in Los Angeles yesterday at the age of 92. He did always talk about the two pieces of advice he got from an early mentor, the music manager, Joe Glaser. He said, never let on how much you know and ask for as much money as possible without stuttering. Clarence did just that.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, shortly after his beloved wife, Jacqueline Avant, was murdered in their Beverly Hills home. Her death was mourned by Bill Clinton, Magic Johnson, all of us here in Hollywood, and so many other people around the world.
Nicole Avant, their daughter, always credited her mom and dad for being prominent philanthropists and bringing other family members into the love, passion, and importance of arts, culture, and entertainment.
Clarence Avant was one of a kind and will truly be missed. Our condolences go out to their children and to the entire Avant family.
And for all these stories and a whole lot more, don’t forget to follow Tanya Hart on social media @tanyahollywood and @aurnonline.
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