Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Entertainment
Adrian Horton

Clarence Avant, ‘Godfather of Black music’, dies aged 92

Clarence Avant in 2019. ‘He gets things done but doesn’t beat his chest or look for credit,’ said Quincy Jones.
Clarence Avant in 2019. ‘He gets things done but doesn’t beat his chest or look for credit,’ said Quincy Jones. Photograph: John Salangsang/Shutterstock

Clarence Avant, a longtime Hollywood insider whose work as a record executive, promoter, mentor and dealmaker earned him the moniker “the Godfather of Black music”, has died at 92.

Avant, the subject of a 2019 Netflix documentary The Black Godfather, died on Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, according to a statement by his family to the Hollywood Reporter.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.