Clarence Avant Net Worth, The Godfather of Black Music, Career And Records
Clarence Avant is an esteemed American music executive and film producer, renowned for his significant contributions to the entertainment industry. With a net worth estimated at $50 million, Avant’s career spans several decades, during which he played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous artists, including Janet Jackson. His life and impact were highlighted in the 2019 Netflix documentary titled “The Black Godfather.”
The Godfather of Black Music
Affectionately known as the “Godfather of Black Music,” Clarence Avant earned this title through his extensive network of business and personal connections. He served as a mentor and friend to influential figures such as Barack Obama, Diddy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Quincy Jones. Throughout his career, Avant has been a staunch advocate for artists’ rights, particularly emphasizing the importance of owning master recordings and receiving fair compensation for their work.
Early Life
Clarence Avant was born on February 25, 1931, in Climax, North Carolina, as the eldest of eight children. At the age of sixteen, he relocated to New Jersey to escape an abusive stepfather, moving in with an aunt and taking a job at Macy’s department store.
Early Career
Avant’s journey in the music industry began in the 1950s when he became the manager of Teddy P’s Lounge in Newark, New Jersey. He managed various artists, including Little Willie John, Sarah Vaughan, and Tommy Wilson. His early mentorship came from Joe Glaser, who managed Louis Armstrong and significantly influenced Avant’s career trajectory.
Venture Records
In 1967, Clarence moved to California to work for Venture Records, Inc., founded by former Motown songwriter Mickey Stevenson. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, he initially lived in Baldwin Hills but later moved to Beverly Hills with financial help from Glaser. This home is now valued at approximately $10 million.
Avant gained national recognition after orchestrating the first joint venture between an African-American artist and a major record label. Unfortunately, Venture Records closed its doors in 1969. During this period, he was instrumental in negotiating the sale of Stax Records to Gulf & Western for $4.3 million (equivalent to about $40 million today), earning a 10% commission on the deal.
Sussex Records
Following the closure of Venture Records, Clarence established his label, Sussex Records, Inc. However, it went out of business in 1975 due to overextension in various ventures, including a radio station purchase. The IRS subsequently seized his assets to settle a tax bill of $480,000 (around $2.3 million today). Despite this setback, Avant launched another label called Tabu Records, which produced hits from artists like The S.O.S. Band and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. This team played a crucial role in propelling Janet Jackson’s career.
Avant Garde Broadcasting
In 1971, Clarence founded Avant Garde Broadcasting, launching the first African-American-owned radio station in Los Angeles after acquiring a license for $321,000 from a defunct station. However, by 1975, Avant Garde faced bankruptcy with debts exceeding $600,000.
Personal Life
Clarence Avant married Jacqueline Alberta Gray in 1967, and they had two children together. Their daughter, Nicole Avant, served as the former U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas and is married to Netflix executive Ted Sarandos. Tragically, Jacqueline Avant was killed during a home invasion on December 1, 2021. Clarence Avant’s legacy as a trailblazer for Black artists and his unwavering commitment to equity in the music industry will be remembered long after his passing on August 13, 2023.
