Legendary music executive and film producer Clarence Avant has died, aged 92.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Avant’s family confirmed that the star died at his home in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant,” Avant’s family said in a statement.
Watch the video above.
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“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,” the statement concluded.
Avant’s legacy as “The Black Godfather” proceeds him, with 2019 Netflix documentary The Black Godfather based entirely on his life.
The star kicked off his career by managing blues artists in the 1960s and officially ended up opening his own record companies Sussex Records and Tabu Records – both of which are credited for the early formations of hip-hop in their releases.
Avant worked with big names, among them Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, Pharrell Williams, Lionel Richie, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, L.A. Reid, Snoop Dogg, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Janet Jackson.
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He also worked alongside pop king Michael Jackson, supporting him by promoting his first ever solo Bad tour.
The beloved producer was known for his community spirit.
After buying FM radio station KAGB-FM in Los Angeles, Avant became first Black owner of such a platform and he used it to further promote Black artistry, securing many milestones for Black people in entertainment along the way.
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The death of Avant comes only two years after his wife Jacqueline Avant was murdered by an intruder at her Beverly Hills home. She was aged 81.
The pair had been married for 55 years, tying the knot back in 1967.
Avant is survived by his daughter Nicole, a former U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas and film producer; Nicole’s husband, Ted Sarandos; and son Alex Avant, who is a talent representative.