Clarence Avant, a giant of a man and a true friend (by Dr. Logan H. Westbrooks)
Clarence Avant was a giant of a man and a true friend. He will be greatly missed….
The global imprint of American music would be much different, were it not for the greatness of Clarence Avant. He exuded great fortitude as a manager, label owner, artist developer, strategist, and global music executive. Artists under his purview include Johnny Nash, Sarah Vaughn, Lalo Schifrin, The SOS Band, Cherelle, Alexander O’Neal, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, to name a few. He guided artists, songwriters and producers. He owned and ran many labels such as Sussex, Avant Garde and Tabu Records. He endured wins and losses, and he always came back with the savvy and the grit that earned him the name “The Black Godfather.” Mr. Avant is featured on page 193 of my latest book “Power 101.”
Clarence Avant was a giant of a man and a true friend. He will be greatly missed. Chances are before the day is done, you will hear a song, an artist, a producer or a label that was influenced by the irrepressible and legendary Clarance Avant. Throughout the ages, his music will play on. He not only struck a chord in the music industry, he built a symphony and orchestrated an everlasting soulful legacy.
Dr. Logan H. Westbrooks,
Former music executive for RCA, Mercury, Capital CBS and CBS International & Former owner of Source Records
Author of
- The Anatomy of a Record Company
- The Anatomy of the Music Industry
- The Harvard Report: Uncensored
- Power 101: The Harvard Report & Soul Music and the American Dream
