Following the announcement that Clarence Avant, known as the "Godfather of Black Music," had passed away on Sunday at the age of 92, tributes have poured in. Less than two years had passed since his wife was fatally slain by an assailant during a home invasion.
The iconic Grammy-winning manager, concert promoter, and executive died quietly at home in Los Angeles, according to his family.
The joy of his legacy, according to his children, "alleviates the sorrow of our loss."
Following the family's statement, famous people who knew the legend, including Barack Obama, Pharrell Williams, and Laura Dern, expressed their condolences.
Together with his wife Michelle, the former president Obama released a statement in which they expressed their "gratefulness" for Avant's friendship.
Clarence Avant was listed as one of their favorite individuals.
He embodied a particular brand of coolness and street smarts that enabled him to stroll comfortably into environments for which no one had prepared him, never having any doubts about his ability to figure things out.
Clarence belonged to a generation that bridged the gap between a time when Black people had few opportunities and the beginning of doors opening, the ex-President said. Needless to say, he paved the path for the rest of us by demanding that the world make place.
"Michelle and I will always be grateful for Clarence's friendship and wise counsel. Our thoughts are with Nicole, Alex, Ted, and everyone else whose life was touched by a truly remarkable man," he added.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Bill Clinton were two other politicians that paid tribute to Avant.
Avant, according to the former, is "a legend" for "bringing people together so we can all move forward."
The artist received praise from Clinton for their "decades of friendship" and optimism.
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Avant assisted musicians including Bill Withers, Jay-Z, Whitney Houston, Little Willie John, L.A. Reid, Babyface, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis throughout his illustrious career as a music administrator. He also oversaw the legendary Motown Records in the 1990s.
Pharrell Williams and Sean Combs, also known as P Diddy, were two musicians who contributed to the tribute. Clarence Avant was a visionary and a transcendent soul, according to record producer Williams.He serves as the best illustration of what successful change looks like, as well as what it looks like to architect change, Williams said.
Williams added that Avant overcame difficulties in environments that weren't friendly to persons who looked like him. But because of his talent and unwavering will to be the greatest of the best, he won the admiration and friendship of individuals who otherwise wouldn't have paid attention to us.
"He has been behind so many musical greats, people in and across the entertainment industry, and I'm so honored to have known him. He was a Godfather, a Godfather to the Black dream and a Godfather to the American dream. There will never be another like him," he added. Because that's what he desired and why he did what he did, it's his hope and wish that others will see what he's done and try to go even further. He aimed to motivate. He handed the baton to us while completing an outstanding race in his lifetime, Williams further shared.
Shortly after the news of Avant's passing came, Combs posted a video of the hero discussing race and how he saw himself in the struggle against prejudice. Kelly Rowland, a member of Destiny's Child, also shared her opinions with Avant's family members.
"Sending my love and prayers over to his family and loved ones," she said.
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