Clarence Avant

ABOUT CLARENCE AVANT

American music executive who founded Avant Garde Broadcasting, one of America's first black-owned radio stations. He has been known by many as the "Godfather of Black Music." He received the resident's Merit Award as a Grammy Icon at the Clive Davis Pre Grammy Gala in Los Angeles in 2018.

He began working in the music business in the 1950s as a manager of Teddy Powell's Lounge in Newark, New Jersey.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.

He was married to Jacqueline Avant from 1967 until her death in December 2021. The couple had a daughter named Nicole and a son named Alexander.

He released Bill Withers ' first three albums on his Sussex Records recording label.