Clarence Avant, the “Black Godfather” of Music, Passes Away at 93

Clarence Avant, the influential manager, entrepreneur, facilitator and adviser known as the “Black Godfather” of music, has died at the age of 93.

Born in a segregated hospital in North Carolina, Avant was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. He died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, according to a family statement.

Avant was a man of lasting and wide-ranging influence, in part by minding two pieces of advice from an early mentor, the music manager Joe Glaser: Never let on how much you know, and ask for as much money.

He helped launch or guide the careers of Quincy Jones, Bill Withers and many others. His achievements were both public and behind the scenes, as a name in the credits, or a name behind the names.

Avant was a philanthropist and a civil rights activist. He was a board member of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the National Urban League, and the United Negro College Fund. He was also a founding member of the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association.

Avant’s family said in a statement, “Clarence Avant was a giant in the music industry and a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a trailblazer in the music industry and a civil rights activist. He will be remembered for his many contributions to the music industry and his philanthropic efforts.”