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Clarence Avant, the famed music executive, producer and advisor, has died at home aged 92.
He was known in the industry as ‘The Black Godfather’ or the ‘Godfather of Black Music’ for his legendary work with some of the world’s biggest music stars.
A tribute in The Hollywood Reporter: “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 added: “The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
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Born on February 25, 1931, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Clarence Alexander Avant was the eldest among eight siblings.
His mother, Gertrude, a single parent working as a domestic worker, raised him.
At the age of 16, Avant made the decision to leave Dudley High School and relocate to New Jersey.
In New Jersey, Avant’s journey into the music industry commenced when he took charge of a lounge owned by jazz musician Teddy Powell in Newark.
After a glistening career, Clarence spoke previously in the Black Godfather documentary.
“If you don’t ask, you don’t get,” he explained. “Life is about one thing — numbers — nothing else.
“What did Tina Turner say? ‘What’s love got to do with it?’ Not a f***ing thing, man.
“That’s why I tell people, ‘Life begins with a number and ends with a number’.”
