Clarence Avant

Clarence Avant
Background information
Birth nameClarence Alexander Avant
Born(1931-02-25)February 25, 1931
Climax, North Carolina, U.S.
DiedAugust 13, 2023(2023-08-13) (aged 92)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
LabelsVenture Records Inc.
Sussex Records
Tabu Records
Motown Records
Formerly ofGallery
The SOS Band
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Sixto Rodriguez
Spouse
Jacqueline Alberta Gray
​
​
(m. 1967; died 2021)​

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.

  1. ^ "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.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ L. Carter, Kelley (August 14, 2023). "Clarence Avant was the guy who made sure Black stars got paid". Andscape. ESPN. Retrieved August 18, 2023.