Clarence Avant, the man responsible for bringing to the world a number of black American music stars died on Sunday (August 13).

He was 92.

Known affectionately as “The Black Godfather” he founded a number of record companies including Sussex Records, Venture Records and Tabu Records, which recorded the SOS Band and Alexander O’Neal.

Avant championed the careers of Bill Withers, Whitney Houston, Snoop Dog and Pharell Williams.

“Clarence Avant connects us all through his incredible impact since before I was born up util now. He’s the Godfather to so many of us – and not just African Americans, most of the industry,” said Pharell Williams back in 2019.

Two years ago, Avant’s wife Jacqueline was shot dead in their Beverly Hills home. They had been married for over 50 years.

A superb entertainment executive, the likes of Quincy Jones, Berry Gordy, Puff Daddy and Jay-Z all credit Avant for paving the way for many in the American black entertainment world.

Explaining his negotiating business success he once said: “Joe Glaser taught me to aim high. You can’t walk up the Empire State Building – you’ll get tired, your knees might give out. But you can ride the elevator and walk down. You always aim up here, and walk down later if you have to.”

Avant was a resected promoter, who handled Michael Jackson’s Bad tour in 1987. He went on to become Chairman of Motown in 1993.

He was a mentor to many with a keen interest in politics, held in high regard by President Bill Clinton.

“My whole career has been like this. People ask me, ‘how did you do all this’? How the f… do I know? I just do things. I just like to take shots,” said Avant, speaking about his career after getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.