Jamie Foxx and Clarence Avant.Photo:Paras Griffin/Getty
Paras Griffin/Getty
Clarence Avant, the legendary music executive and film producer, was remembered throughout Hollywood Monday for his influence on the industry and the work that earned him the nickname “the Black Godfather”
Avant died at his home in Los Angeles, California on Sunday,his family confirmed to PEOPLE. He was 92.
“Clarence Avant was a visionary and a transcendent spirit,“Pharrell Williamswrote in a lengthy tribute published on his Instagram StoryMonday. “He is the ultimate example of what change looks like, what architecting change looks like, and what the success of change looks like. He stared adversity in the face in climates and conditions that weren’t welcoming to people that looked like him. But through his talent and relentless spirit in the pursuit to be the best of the best, he garnered the support and friendship of people who otherwise wouldn’t look in our direction.”
Clarence Avant and Pharrell Williams.Lester Cohen/Getty
Lester Cohen/Getty
Williams, 50, later wrote that “there will never be another” like Avant, adding that it is his hope that “others will see what [Avant’s] done and try to go even further, because that’s what he wanted and that’s why he did what he did. He wanted to inspire.”
“Clarence Avant was truly one of a kind,” music producerClive Daviswrote in a statement to PEOPLE. “His passing is a great loss of someone who is irreplaceable. Clarence’s extraordinary contribution to music and the barriers he broke throughout his career are unrivaled. He was the mentor to all Black executives in the music industry for decades, providing invaluable guidance and support while always standing up for equal rights. Clarence was humane and fair and inspired love and respect from all who knew him. I personally loved him and will miss him forever.”
“Clarence Avant isn’t just the ‘Godfather Of Black Music,’ he is our cultural Godfather,“JAY-Z’s Roc Nationsaid in a statement. “Throughout his life, he burst through doors and tore down ceilings, changing lives and providing opportunities for generations. A true pioneer, a mentor and a champion, Clarence Avant is and always will be a giant among us.”
JAY-Z, Clarence Avant and Sean Combs.Kevin Mazur/Getty
Kevin Mazur/Getty
Jamie Foxxsent his condolences to Avant’s family. “Mr Clarence Avant was the worlds mentor he shared his incredible intellect and knowledge to everyone that he interacted with… if you needed a kind word… guidance…or someone just to get your back he was the man,” the actor, 55,wrote on Instagram. “You will be missed terribly… a legend a warrior and a family man…@iamalexavant love you my brother.”
Former PresidentBarack Obamaand former first ladyMichelle Obamacalled Avant"one of our favorite people” in a statement. He “exemplified a certain level of cool and street smarts that allowed him to move confidently into worlds that nobody had prepared him for, never doubting he could figure it out.”
“Thank you for your warrior spirit sir,“Viola Daviswrote on Instagram. “For the paths you have blazed, the artists that you have influenced, emboldened, created…Thank you for living a BOLD life! You have earned your rest. Jacqueline is waiting with open arms for you!”
Magic Johnsonnoted the breadth of Avant’s influence, which was felt far beyond Hollywood, advising presidents, star athletes, and executives. “He knew how to touch every individual he met and meet them where they were in order to get them where they needed to be,“Johnson wrote on Twitter. “I get solace in knowing he is reunited with his love, Jacqueline once again in Heaven. We will miss you dearly my friend! Cookie and I are praying for his children Nicole and Alex and all his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Magic Johnson and Clarence Avant.Amanda Edwards/Getty
Amanda Edwards/Getty
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Avant’s children, Nicole and Alex, and son-in-law, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, announced Avant’s death Monday. “Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘The Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports,” their statement read.
“Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come,” the statement concluded. “The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
source: people.com
