Clarence Avant Honored by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Bill Clinton, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Sony Publishing’s Jon Platt, Diddy and More

The wide reach of Clarence Avant, who was widely known as “the Godfather of Black Entertainment” and died Sunday at the age of 92, was evident from the range of people paying tribute to him on social media after his death was announced Monday morning. His influence spanned music, entertainment, sports, politics and beyond.

Within just a couple of hours, former President Bill Clinton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Entertainment, Clive Davis, and many former presidential staffers had paid tribute to Avant — pictured above, right, with Jay-Z and Sony Music Chairman Jon Platt at Avant’s 2021 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame —on social media or via statement.

Rev. Jackson wrote: “#ClarenceAvant, a legend in the music industry, was the go-to guy for many of us in the music industry including #BerryGordy of Motown, #AlBell of Stax Records, and a countless list of others. He helped promote their careers and expand their businesses.”

“Clarence Avant isn’t just the ‘Godfather Of Black Music,’ he is our cultural Godfather,” Roc Nation wrote in a collective statement. “Throughout his life, he burst through doors and tore down ceilings, changing lives and providing opportunities for generations. A true pioneer, a mentor and a champion, Clarence Avant is and always will be a giant among us.”

Clinton wrote, “Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Clarence Avant, whose legendary career brought artists and their music to millions of people. He also used his success to open doors of opportunity to new generations of entrepreneurs and promoters. He was skillful, savvy, warm, and wise. It was impossible to spend time with him and not come away feeling more positive and wanting to follow his example. We just loved him.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton said: “ClarenceAvant was a revolutionary. When people in the entertainment world were delegated to a near master/slave relationship, he broke through that wall of exploitation and made us respected business people. I can’t count the enormous amount of situations that he negotiated.”