R.I.P. Clarence Avant: Subject Of Netflix’s ‘The Black Godfather’ Documentary Dead at 92

Clarence Avant, the hidden visionary responsible for aiding the careers of a multitude of musicians, athletes, and politicians, died on Sunday (Aug. 13). He was 92.

A statement released by his children, Nicole and Alex, and his son-in-law, Netflix boss Ted Sarandos, reads as follows, per Variety:

“It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant. Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports. 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 joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.  Clarence passed away gently at home in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 13, 2023.”

Avant was deemed “the power behind the scenes” by former President Barack Obama in the 2019 Netflix documentary The Black Godfather, which shed light on his tremendous ability to spotlight talent.

Avant was born in Grensboro, North Carolina on Feb. 25, 1931. His career began in the 1960s, when he helped pave the way for R&B singer Little Willie John, jazz singer Sarah Vaughan and jazz producer Creed Taylor, per Variety.

Some other notable achievements of his include working closely with boxer Muhammad Ali and securing him an ABC special, plus signing “Ain’t No Sunshine” singer-songwriter Bill Withers and becoming chairman of the historic Motown Records in 1993. Avant was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Lionel Richie in 2021.

According to NPR, his work transcended the entertainment and sports industries and influenced the political realm, as he served as an important fundraiser for former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Obama.

Avant’s name landed in the media again in 2021 after his wife of 54 years, Jacqueline Avant, was murdered during a robbery at their Beverly Hills home, per NBC News. The convicted killer received a 190-year prison sentence.

Many stars have mourned the loss of Avant, including former NBA player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who penned a tribute on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), noting that Avant’s “accomplishments speak for themselves.”

Rest in peace to the legendary, game-changing “Black Godfather”, and my great friend Clarence Avant. His accomplishments speak for themselves. As a former music manager, he founded two record labels and purchased the first fully black-owned radio station. He consulted many major… pic.twitter.com/bXxXphKgNa

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 14, 2023

How to watch The Black Godfather:

If you are interested in learning more about Avant and his accomplishments, you can find The Black Godfather on Netflix, where the documentary is currently streaming. Since The Black Godfather is a Netflix original film, it is only available to watch on the streamer, where it first debuted in 2019.