Clarence Avant

Clarence Alexander Avant (February 25, 1931 – August 13, 2023) was an American music executive, entrepreneur, and movie producer. He was sometimes known as the "Godfather of Black Music".[1][2] He was born in Climax, North Carolina.[3] He founded Sussex Records on December 18, 1969.

Clarence Avant
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
Occupation(s)
LabelsVenture Records Inc.
Sussex Records
Tabu Records
Motown Records
Associated actsBill Withers
Dennis Coffey
Gallery
The SOS Band
Cherrelle
Alexander O'Neal
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Sixto Rodriguez
Quincy Jones

In October 2016, Avant received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[4][5]

Avant died at his home in Los Angeles, California on August 13, 2023 at the age of 92.[6]

References

  1. "Pioneering Exec Clarence Avant, the Master Mentor". miamiherald.com December 2007. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
  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 LA Times. https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/1321244841.html?dids=1321244841:1321244841&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+17%2C+2007&author=TINA+DAUNT&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=CAUSE+CLBRE+TINA+DAUNT%3B+Black+celebs+are+major+players&pqatl=google. Retrieved December 5, 2010. 
  4. "Clarence Avant | Hollywood Walk of Fame". www.walkoffame.com. Retrieved 2016-10-29.
  5. Clarence Avant, 'Godfather of Black Music', Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7534248/clarence-avant-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star. Retrieved 2016-10-29. 
  6. Barnes, Mike (14 August 2023). Clarence Avant, ‘Godfather of Black Music,’ Dies at 92. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/clarence-avant-dead-godfather-black-music-1235565979/. Retrieved 14 August 2023. 

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