Clarence Avant Honored by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Bill Clinton, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Sony Publishing’s Jon Platt, Diddy and More

The wide reach of Clarence Avant, who was widely known as “the Godfather of Black Entertainment” and died Sunday at the age of 92, was evident from the range of people paying tribute to him on social media after his death was announced Monday morning. His influence spanned music, entertainment, sports, politics and beyond.

Within just a couple of hours, former President Bill Clinton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Entertainment, Clive Davis, and many former presidential staffers had paid tribute to Avant — pictured above, right, with Jay-Z and Sony Music Chairman Jon Platt at Avant’s 2021 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — on social media or via statement.

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Rev. Jackson wrote: “#ClarenceAvant, a legend in the music industry, was the go-to guy for many of us in the music industry including #BerryGordy of Motown, #AlBell of Stax Records, and a countless list of others. He helped promote their careers and expand their businesses.”

“Clarence Avant isn’t just the ‘Godfather Of Black Music,’ he is our cultural Godfather,” Roc Nation wrote in a collective statement. “Throughout his life, he burst through doors and tore down ceilings, changing lives and providing opportunities for generations. A true pioneer, a mentor and a champion, Clarence Avant is and always will be a giant among us.”

Clinton wrote, “Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Clarence Avant, whose legendary career brought artists and their music to millions of people. He also used his success to open doors of opportunity to new generations of entrepreneurs and promoters. He was skillful, savvy, warm, and wise. It was impossible to spend time with him and not come away feeling more positive and wanting to follow his example. We just loved him.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton said: “ClarenceAvant was a revolutionary. When people in the entertainment world were delegated to a near master/slave relationship, he broke through that wall of exploitation and made us respected business people. I can’t count the enormous amount of situations that he negotiated.”

Former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile wrote: “Goodbye my friend. Sending my condolences to his family and many friends.”

Sherriliyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, wrote: “ ‘The Godfather’ has left us. This man was singularly responsible for helping so many Black artists get paid their worth. Also was a wonderful supporter & former board member of @NAACP_LDF.”

In a statement to Variety, Clive Davis wrote: “Clarence Avant was truly one of a kind.  His passing is a great loss of someone who is irreplaceable. Clarance’s extraordinary contribution to music and the barriers he broke throughout his career are unrivaled. He was the mentor to all Black executives in the music industry for decades, providing invaluable guidance and support while always standing up for equal rights. Clarence was humane and fair and inspired love and respect from all who knew him. I personally loved him and will miss him forever.”

Legendary producer/composer Quincy Jones said in a statement: “There will never be enough words to express how much Clarence Avant meant to me. He was my dearest friend, my brother, my confidant, my mentor, and my counsel for more than 60 years. Clarence always told me the truth in every aspect of my life, even when he knew I didn’t want to hear it…and in this business we all know what a rarity that is. There will never be another like Clarence Avant, and I will miss his presence every day.”

Singer-songwriter Valerie Simpson said: “‘The Black Godfather’ I knew and I marveled at his deal making but during vacation times with Quincy he’d speak in his own way and say how much he loved Ashford & Simpson music. Clarence would let loose a vocabulary of cuss words – never before heard that would enlighten me and make me laugh – and I will miss that authenticity and life!”

Legendary basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson wrote: “Rest in peace to the legendary, game-changing “Black Godfather”, and my great friend Clarence Avant. His accomplishments speak for themselves.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs said in a statement: “Clarence Avant was an irreplaceable force in the music industry. He was a mentor and a personal friend whose influence is unparalleled. His visionary approach and unwavering dedication broke barriers for black artists, propelling them to new heights. As we honor this trailblazer, we are reminded of his enduring legacy that continues to live on, inspiring a generation of artists and shaping the industry.”

Artist-songwriter-producer Pharrell Williams wrote: “Clarance Avant was a visionary and a transcendent spirit. He is the ultimate example of what change looks like, what architecting change looks like, and what the success of change looks like. He stared adversity in the face in climates and conditions that weren’t welcoming to people that looked like him. But through his talent and relentless spirit in the pursuit to be the best of the best, he garnered the support and friendship of people who otherwise wouldn’t look in our direction. He showed them what we can be, what we can do, and how much more we can all achieve if you give us opportunity.”

Sony Music Publishing Chairman-CEO Jon Platt wrote on the company’s Twitter account: “It is difficult to process the loss of Clarence Avant. Clarence was an ally and mentor to me and many others who followed the trail he blazed. As one of the leading architects of the Black entertainment business, he expanded opportunities for executives of color and supported us along our journey. Clarence Avant positively impacted my life the moment he walked into it, filling a void that I did not know existed. Clarence is the closest person to a father that I ever had. He often would say, ‘Life is about numbers…you’re born with a number, and you leave earth with a number…’. And he was right, but what Clarence also showed me is life is about the number of lives you impact while you are here. I am forever grateful for Clarence’s tough love and encouragement.”

Claudette Robinson, an original member of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, wrote: “My heartfelt condolences to Nicole, Alex, & the entire Avant and Sarandos family on the passing of Mr. Clarence Avant – father, entrepreneur, music industry giant, Black Godfather & my dear friend!”

Former White House aide and National Black Justice Coalition co-founder Keith Boykin wrote: “Clarence Avant managed Sarah Vaughan, discovered Bill Withers, promoted Michael Jackson’s first solo world tour, and served as chairman of Motown… RIP King.”

Filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry wrote: “Rest in peace Clarence Avant. You changed the game for real.”

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