Diddy on Clarence Avant: ‘The Definition of a Free, Fearless Black Man’

Diddy on Clarence Avant: 'The Definition of a Free, Fearless Black Man'

Diddy salutes the late “Godfather of Black Music,” Clarence Avant on Instagram. Diddy reflected on Avant’s life by posting a picture of Avant, JAY-Z, and himself from a Roc Nation Brunch. Another was Diddy hugging the late legend.

Clarence Avant was the definition of a free, fearless Black man.

He never allowed any level of adversity or limitation stop him from paving his own path and advocating for Black creators to be valued and respected at the highest level.

He was a very successful record executive, entrepreneur and dealmaker. But more importantly, he was the most trusted and reliable relationship anyone could have.

There wasn’t a problem he couldn’t solve, an answer he couldn’t find, or a resource he wasn’t willing to share.

He kicked down doors, shattered stereotypes, and showed all of us aspiring leaders that nothing is more important than impact.

Clarance Avant was the definition of leading by example and lifting your people up with you.

He was never selfish with information. He wanted to see us all win and would stand with us in the fight.

He was more than someone I looked up to, he became one of my most beloved mentors and friends who taught me how to always show up.

Clarence Avant always answered the call.

We will forever honor his legacy, cherish the memories, and continue to remind the world of his story.

– Diddy

The world of music, entertainment, politics, and sports is collectively mourning the loss of an icon, as Clarence Alexander Avant, affectionately known as “The Black Godfather,” peacefully passed away at his Los Angeles residence on August 13, 2023, at the age of 92.

An official statement from Nicole Avant, Ted Sarandos, and Alex Avant reads: “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 passed away gently at home in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 13, 2023. He was 92.”

Born on February 25, 1931, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Avant’s remarkable journey traversed a landscape fraught with challenges and segregation. Rising through the ranks in the 1960s, he steered the careers of luminaries such as Little Willie John, jazz virtuosos Lalo Schifrin and Jimmy Smith and masterminded the historic sale of Stax Records in 1968.

Avant’s influence transcended music, extending into sports, film, and social progress. He played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectories of figures like Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Jackie Robinson, and Hank Aaron. His strategic prowess and negotiation skills led to groundbreaking deals that left an indelible mark on these realms.

In the 1980s, Avant’s creative vision flourished with the founding of Tabu Records, which contributed to the foundational fabric of hip-hop by producing releases that pioneering DJs sampled. His advisory role propelled the careers of super producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, leading to Janet Jackson’s iconic Control album.

Avant’s influence also reverberated in the political arena, where he sowed the seeds of early careers for Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter. His reach spanned across party lines, advising leaders on both sides of the aisle and showcasing his ability to unite diverse voices for common goals.

Throughout his storied career, Avant operated his music and publishing companies until 2018, when Universal Music Group acquired them. His legacy is etched in history, with honors including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Industry Icon Award at the Grammys, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Rest in peace, Clarence Avant.

The post Diddy on Clarence Avant: ‘The Definition of a Free, Fearless Black Man’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Diddy on Clarence Avant: ‘The Definition of a Free, Fearless Black Man’ appeared first on The Source.

Diddy Honors Clarence Avant In New Instagram Post “Definition Of Leading By Example”

Earlier this week Clarence Avant, often called “The Godfather of Black Entertainment” passed away at age 92. Dozens of celebrities across every medium paid tribute to him for the influence he had over their careers. Now another tribute has been posted to Instagram by none other than Diddy. He shares two pictures of himself and Avant together with the first one also including Jay-Z. But it’s in the caption where he really pours out his feelings.

“Clarence Avant was the definition of a free, fearless Black man. He never allowed any level of adversity or limitation stop him from paving his own path and advocating for Black creators to be valued and respected at the highest level,” Diddy’s caption begins. “He was a very successful record executive, entrepreneur and dealmaker. But more importantly, he was the most trusted and reliable relationship anyone could have. There wasn’t a problem he couldn’t solve, an answer he couldn’t find, or a resource he wasn’t willing to share,” he continues. Diddy is just one of many to pay tribute to Avant after his passing.

Read More: Diddy’s REVOLT World Event Adds Don Toliver, Yung Miami, And More

Diddy Pens Beautiful Message To Clarence Avant

“Clarence Avant always answered the call. We will forever honor his legacy, cherish the memories, and continue to remind the world of his story,” Diddy’s statement concludes. Earlier this year he launched a new digital marketplace for black owned business. “Empower Global” allowed vendors to list their products online and users to shop directly from a collection of a variety of black businesses.

Earlier this year Billboard made a list of the best executives in rap music and unsurprisingly, Diddy made the cut. He was featured on the list alongside Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Dr. Dre, Easy-E, and more. Despite some recent blunders he’s had with trying to start a cannabis business and separating from the Spirits corporation who used to house his own alcohol brands, he’s still one of music’s most successful moguls. What do you think of Diddy’s message to Clarence Avant? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Diddy Thanks Hip Hop For Saving His Life On Genre’s 50th Birthday

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Tyler Perry Delivers a Tribute to Clarence Avant on Instagram: ‘His Legacy Will Live On the Top Shelf’

Tyler Perry is one of the latest, speaking in tribute to the life and legacy of the late Clarence Avant. Hitting Instagram, Perry penned a touching message:

It is my belief that when two soulmates walk the earth together for many many years, be it through marriage or friendship or both, when one of them passes on the soul that’s left on the planet longs for that love, that companionship, that connection. There is longing to be together again. As I think about the passing of Mr. Clarence Avant, I think about the beauty of him being reunited in heaven with his soulmate Jacqueline, and that makes my heart smile. I challenge anyone to try and find a corner of the music industry that wasn’t touched in the best way by Clarence Avant also know as the Black Godfather. His legacy will live on on the top shelf, because that’s how high he set the bar. And like every great legend, he left us all something to reach up for.

You have done all you were suppose to do here my friend and we are all the better for it. Travel well dear sir.

Sending my heartfelt love to Nicole, Alex, Ted and everyone in the family,

Tyler Perry

The world of music, entertainment, politics, and sports is collectively mourning the loss of an icon, as Clarence Alexander Avant, affectionately known as “The Black Godfather,” peacefully passed away at his Los Angeles residence on August 13, 2023, at the age of 92.

An official statement from Nicole Avant, Ted Sarandos, and Alex Avant reads: “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 passed away gently at home in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 13, 2023. He was 92.”

Born on February 25, 1931, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Avant’s remarkable journey traversed a landscape fraught with challenges and segregation. Rising through the ranks in the 1960s, he steered the careers of luminaries such as Little Willie John, jazz virtuosos Lalo Schifrin and Jimmy Smith and masterminded the historic sale of Stax Records in 1968.

Avant’s influence transcended music, extending into sports, film, and social progress. He played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectories of figures like Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Jackie Robinson, and Hank Aaron. His strategic prowess and negotiation skills led to groundbreaking deals that left an indelible mark on these realms.

In the 1980s, Avant’s creative vision flourished with the founding of Tabu Records, which contributed to the foundational fabric of hip-hop by producing releases that pioneering DJs sampled. His advisory role propelled the careers of super producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, leading to Janet Jackson’s iconic Control album.

Avant’s influence also reverberated in the political arena, where he sowed the seeds of early careers for Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter. His reach spanned across party lines, advising leaders on both sides of the aisle and showcasing his ability to unite diverse voices for common goals.

Throughout his storied career, Avant operated his music and publishing companies until 2018, when Universal Music Group acquired them. His legacy is etched in history, with honors including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Industry Icon Award at the Grammys, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Rest in peace, Clarence Avant.

The post Tyler Perry Delivers a Tribute to Clarence Avant on Instagram: ‘His Legacy Will Live On the Top Shelf’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Tyler Perry Delivers a Tribute to Clarence Avant on Instagram: ‘His Legacy Will Live On the Top Shelf’ appeared first on The Source.

Clarence Avant, “Black Godfather” Of Music Industry, Dies At 92

Clarence Avant, a music industry titan and tastemaker, has tragically passed away at 92 years old. His success as a music industry insider earned him the title of the “Black Godfather.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, Avant passed away at his Los Angeles home on Sunday (August 13). Following the news, his family released a statement.

“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 Avant/Sarandos family said in a statement to THR. “The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.” The shocking news comes only 20 months after his wife, philanthropist Jacqueline Avant, was shot and killed at their Beverly Hills home in December 2021. He is survived by his daughter Nicole Avant, and son, Alexander.

Avant Was Recently The Subject Of A Netflix Documentary

Netflix’s The Black Godfather explores Avant’s decades-long career as a record executive, a manager, a promoter, and more. Avant was a key figure in the development of the modern music industry. Additionally, his accomplishments include discovering Bill Withers, managing Sarah Vaughn, and working secretly with LA Reid, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, etc. He was also the promoter of Michael Jackson’s Bad tour and was Motown’s chairman for four years in the ’90s.

Besides that, Avant received the Ahmet Ertegun Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Lionel Richie, who delivered the induction speech, said: “There’s no way possible you can talk about Clarence Avant in four minutes…He’s a teacher. He’s a master communicator. He’s the perfect marriage between street sense and common sense. And what he did for us, and what I mean by us is the sons and daughters of the Afro-American community, he was the one that brought us to some understanding of what the music business was all about.” However, his influence extends far beyond music. Former President Barack Obama credited Avant with helping him land his appearance at the 2004 Democratic convention. As a result, it booted him politically for his successful run in 2008.

Read More: Jacqueline Avant’s Murderer, Aariel Maynor, Sentenced To 190 Years

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Clarence Avant, The ‘Black Godfather’ Of The Music Industry, Has Died At 92

Clarence Avant, a music industry impresario with fingerprints all over the past 50 years of pop culture, has died at the age of 92. His death was announced via a statement from his family to The Hollywood Reporter, which read:

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 subject of the Netflix documentary The Black Godfather, Avant has acted as a record executive, a manager, a promoter, an advisor, and a behind-the-scenes titan of the music industry. In addition to founding Sussex Records and leading Motown Records beginning in 1993, he’s credited with discovering Bill Withers, managing Sarah Vaughn and silently working deals with the likes of LA Reid, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg, Whitney Houston, and more.

Even former President Barack Obama praised Avant’s power to pull strings, crediting him with helping Obama land a primetime appearance at the 2004 Democratic convention, which boosted him politically and put him in position for his successful run in 2008.

Sadly, Avant’s death comes just under two years after the death of his wife of 54 years, Jacqueline Avant, who was shot and killed at the age of 81 during a home invasion in December 2021.

Entertainment Icon Clarence Avant Passes Away at Age 92

Entertainment Icon Clarence Avant Passes Away at Age 92

The world of music, entertainment, politics, and sports is collectively mourning the loss of an icon, as Clarence Alexander Avant, affectionately known as “The Black Godfather,” peacefully passed away at his Los Angeles residence on August 13, 2023, at the age of 92.

An official statement from Nicole Avant, Ted Sarandos, and Alex Avant reads: “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 passed away gently at home in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 13, 2023. He was 92.”

Born on February 25, 1931, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Avant’s remarkable journey traversed a landscape fraught with challenges and segregation. Rising through the ranks in the 1960s, he steered the careers of luminaries such as Little Willie John, jazz virtuosos Lalo Schifrin and Jimmy Smith and masterminded the historic sale of Stax Records in 1968.

Avant’s influence transcended music, extending into sports, film, and social progress. He played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectories of figures like Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Jackie Robinson, and Hank Aaron. His strategic prowess and negotiation skills led to groundbreaking deals that left an indelible mark on these realms.

In the 1980s, Avant’s creative vision flourished with the founding of Tabu Records, which contributed to the foundational fabric of hip-hop by producing releases that pioneering DJs sampled. His advisory role propelled the careers of super producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, leading to Janet Jackson’s iconic Control album.

Avant’s influence also reverberated in the political arena, where he sowed the seeds of early careers for Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter. His reach spanned across party lines, advising leaders on both sides of the aisle and showcasing his ability to unite diverse voices for common goals.

Throughout his storied career, Avant operated his music and publishing companies until 2018, when Universal Music Group acquired them. His legacy is etched in history, with honors including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Industry Icon Award at the Grammys, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Rest in peace, Clarence Avant.

The post Entertainment Icon Clarence Avant Passes Away at Age 92 first appeared on The Source.

The post Entertainment Icon Clarence Avant Passes Away at Age 92 appeared first on The Source.