It would be best if you were devastated to learn that Clarence Avant, who was 92 years old, passed away on August 13, 2023, in his Los Angeles residence. The family who lost such a treasure is receiving prayers from worldwide.
American music industry executive and film producer Clarence Alexander Avant managed a variety of music recording studios and broadcasting organizations and supported the careers of numerous African Americans in music, show business, politics, and other fields.
On February 25, 1931, Clarence Alexander Avant, the oldest of eight kids, was born in Climax, North Carolina. He started to work in the music industry in the 1950s as the manager of promoter Teddy Powell’s Teddy P’s Lounge in Newark, New Jersey.
Clarence Avant’s Career
The same month, Smith signed a contract with Associated Booking, Avant incorporated Avant Garde Enterprises, Inc. in New York on November 7, 1962. The company’s first location was at 850 Seventh Avenue.
The Reckoning (a fantastical Southern Fable), written by Douglas Turner Ward, was staged in collaboration with The Negro Ensemble Company at St. Mark’s Playhouse in New York in August of 1969. Avant joined Al Bell as an associate producer.
Searching for Sugar Man, a documentary, referred to Sussex Records. The documentary’s interviewees stated that they gave Sussex Records royalties from sales of Sixto Rodriguez’s records. The documentary strongly implies that Sixto Rodriguez had been defrauded of the royalties.
Avant stayed in Los Angeles and established Sussex Records in 1969 following the demise of Venture Records Inc.
Due to $48,000 in federal revenue liens, the business was forced to close in June 1975, and the IRS seized and sold all assets.
The first African-American-owned FM radio station in metropolitan Los Angeles was purchased by Avant Garde Broadcasting, Inc. on March 3, 1973,
from Trans America Broadcasting Corp. for $321,000, including the actual facilities at 6803 West Boulevard in Inglewood and FCC licensing fees. The station was renamed KAGB-FM. Avant Garde Broadcasting, Inc. was established on August 6, 1971.
His Achievements
Avant won the Ahmet Ertegun award and was inducted into the 2021 class, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced on May 12, 2021. In a video package, former president Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and previous induction Bill Withers discussed the significance of Avant.
Awards Council member Quincy Jones bestowed Avant with the American Academy of Achievement’s Golden Plate Award on May 23, 1998.
His Personal Life
Avant got married to Jacqueline “Jackie” Alberta Grey in 1967. Nicole and Alexander are the couple’s children. Nicole Avant, a former American ambassador to the Bahamas and the spouse of Netflix executive Ted Sarandos, produced the Netflix documentary
The Black Godfather, about her father’s career in the music company and his significant advocacy work for Black sportsmen and artists.
Clarence Avant: Net Worth
Clarence Avant had a net worth of $50 million at the time of his death. People are still reeling from the shocking news and grieved over the loss of a legendary person who did so much to improve society and the Black community.
