Clarence Avant
Pharrell, Jay-Z & Bill Clinton pay tribute
Clarence Avant (left) was 92 years old.
© Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/ImageCollect/imago/Starface
The music world is saddened by the death of Clarence Avant. Companions like Jay-Z and Bill Clinton bid farewell to the “Black Godfather”.
After the death of music producer Clarence “The Black Godfather” Avant at the age of 92, numerous prominent companions and friends spoke out. Superstar Jay-Z (53) left through his record label Roc Nation Entertainment: “Throughout his life he broke down doors and boundaries. He changed lives and provided opportunities for entire generations. A true pioneer, mentor and master – Clarence Avant is and always will be a giant among us.”
Former US President Bill Clinton (76) was also one of Avant’s close confidants. He commemorates the music legend his official X account among other things with the words: “It was impossible to spend time with Clarence Avant without feeling more positive afterwards and wanting to follow his example. Hillary and I loved him.”
Together they are grateful “for his long, good life and our decades-long friendship. And we are grateful that his legacy will continue – in the music that he helped bring to the world.”
A “transcendent spirit” has left us
In the eyes of musician Pharrell Williams (50), Avant paved the way in many ways, as he writes at X: “Clarence Avant was a visionary and a transcendent spirit. He is the ultimate example of what change looks like, what the architecture of change looks like, and what the success of change looks like. […] He was a godfather, a black dream godfather, and an American dream godfather. There will never be anyone like him again.” He ends his lengthy post with the words: “Clarence has returned to where he came from… heaven.”
According to US media, Avant died last Sunday (August 13) at the age of 92 at his Los Angeles home. “It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announces the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant”, quotes “Variety” from a statement of the bereaved, his children Nicole and Alexander and son-in-law Ted Sarandos.
In December 2021, Avant and his family had to cope with another heavy blow of fate. Jacqueline Avant, to whom the music legend had been married since 1967, fell victim to a violent crime. She was shot dead by a burglar at her Beverly Hills home it was said at the time, among other things, on “Variety”.