Clarence Avant death updates 'Black Godfather' and Motown music exec dies at 92 after wife Jacqu

Lionel Richie praised Clarence Avant

When Avant was handed the Ahmet Ertegun Award from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, Lionel Richie praised him.

He said: "He’s a teacher, he’s a master communicator, he’s the perfect marriage between street sense and common sense.

"What he did for us, the sons and daughters of the Afro-American community, he brought us some understanding of what the music business was all about."

Richie was one in a long line of artists and produced Avant advised over the years - including Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Whitney Houston and Pharrell Williams.

Clarence Avant managed big names

During his career, Avant managed Sarah Vaughan, Jimmy Smith, Lalo Schifrin and Freddie Hubbard.

He also discovered and signed Bill Withers - best known for his hits Ain't No Sunshine and Just the Two of Us.

Clarence Avant's children confirm his death

A statement from Clarence Avant's children said: "It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant.

"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."

Clarence Avant dead

Music executive Clarence Avant has died at the age of 92.

Dubbed the Godfather of Black Music, Avant chaired Motown Records in the 1990s and won a Grammy for his work.

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