Clarence Avant Obituary

Clarence Avant was an American music executive, businessman, and film producer, who also went by the name of “The Black Godfather.”

Clarence Avant died at his home in Los Angeles on August 13, 2023, at the age of 92. A cause of Death was not given.

“It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant,” Avant’s children Nicole and Alex and son-in-law Ted Sarandos said in a statement.

“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,” the statement concluded.

Clarence Alexander Avant was born on February 25, 1931, in Climax, North Carolina, as the oldest of eight children. In the 1950s, he worked as a manager at Teddy P’s Lounge in Newark, New Jersey, which was owned by promoter Teddy Powell.

He was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 7, 2016, for his services to the recording business, which is placed at 6363 Hollywood Boulevard.

Avant earned the President’s Merit Award as a Grammy Icon in February 2018 at the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala in Los Angeles. Avant was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on May 12, 2021, after receiving the Ahmet Ertegun award.