Clarence Avant, ‘Black Godfather,’ dead at 92

Wheeling, dealing and innovating entertainment executive Clarence Avant is dead at 92.

Dubbed “The Black Godfather” in a 2019 documentary detailing his work with notables including Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, Michael Jackson, Bill Withers and five U.S. presidents, Avant died “gently” Sunday in his Los Angeles home, according to a statement from his family published by Variety.

“The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss,” his loved ones wrote.

The Climax, N.C., native moved to Newark as a teenager and got involved in the music business as a nightclub manager. He soon came under the mentorship of Joe Glaser, who helped launch artists including Louis Armstrong and Barbra Streisand.

Avant developed a knack for developing talent and recognizing potential. He took credit for introducing former NFL star Jim Brown to acting, which launched a hugely successful second act for the “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” star.

Avant started a pair of record labels and helped negotiate the sale of Stax Records before becoming chairman of Motown Records and a board member at PolyGram. He produced Jackson’s “Bad” tour in 1988 after allegedly turning down the gig three times.

“I just do things,” Avant told Variety in 2016. “I just like to take shots.”

Avant’s ability to cut a deal wasn’t limited to music. He helped Ali score a TV special on ABC News and negotiated an unprecedented endorsement package for Aaron that paid the MLB great more than he made playing baseball.

That deal came when Aaron, dogged by bigoted critics, was closing in on Babe Ruth’s longstanding career home run record.

“Without Clarence Avant, there is no Hank Aaron,” Aaron said in “The Black Godfather.”

Bill Clinton, one of the five presidents he advised, said in “Black Godfather” that Avant’s “advice per word is worth more than anyone I ever dealt with.”

In the same doc, Barack Obama praised Avant for understanding “the power that comes from being behind the scenes.”

Music producer Quincy Jones also praised his friend and colleague’s talent as a strategist.

“Everyone in this business has been by Clarence’s desk, if they’re smart,” Jones said.

Avant was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016. It rests next to the stars of music producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, whose work with Avant led to the success of acts including the S.O.S. Band.

He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 following an introduction from Lionel Richie that came with a time restriction.

“There’s no way possible you can talk about Clarence Avant in four minutes,” the singer told a live audience. “He’s the perfect marriage between street sense and common sense.”