Clarence Avant, a man dubbed the “Godfather of black entertainment” has died, his family confirmed Monday. He was 92.
His death came 20 months after his wife of 54 years, philanthropist Jacqueline Avant, was shot and killed by an intruder in their Beverly Hills home in the early morning hours of Dec. 1, 2021, as Breitbart News reported.
A statement provided by his family including son-in-law Ted Sarandos, the Netflix Co-CEO, announced Avant’s loss “with a heavy heart,” and said he had “passed away gently” at his LA home yesterday.
Hall of Fame Winner Clarence Avant onstage during the 41st NAACP Image awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on February 26, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Caulfield/WireImage)
The statement said:
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.
Deadline notes Avant was a pioneering music executive who was also a film producer and entrepreneur.
“Everyone in this business has been by Clarence’s desk, if they’re smart,” Quincy Jones liked to say of him.
He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
Avant’s influence extended beyond entertainment to sports. He helped running back Jim Brown transition from football to acting and produced a primetime television special for Muhammad Ali.
A 2019 Netflix feature, The Black Godfather, depicted his story and was directed by Reginald Hudlin. It was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, which were penned by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo.
More to come…