Clarence Avant, a major power broker in music, sports and politics, has died at 92

Clarence Avant, a major power broker in the entertainment industry and politics, has died at home in Los Angeles at the age of 92.

Notable Career: Avant had a profound influence on the careers of numerous musicians, entertainers, sports stars, and politicians.
* He signed singer-songwriter Bill Withers and was the promoter for Michael Jackson’s first solo tour.
* He was the chairman of Motown Records and worked with producers such as Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Diddy, as well as sports figures like Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Jim Brown, and Muhammad Ali.

Political Influence: Beyond entertainment and sports, Avant also held significant influence in politics.
* He advised President George H.W. Bush and helped fundraise for Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

Honors and Achievements: Avant’s success and influence were widely recognized in the industry.
* Netflix produced a documentary about his life in 2019, titled “The Black Godfather”.
* He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.

Personal life: Avant faced a personal tragedy in December 2021 when his wife, Jacqueline, was killed during a burglary at their home.
* Avant is survived by his daughter Nicole, a former U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas and film producer, Nicole’s husband Ted Sarandos, and son Alex Avant, a talent representative.

View original article on NPR

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