Netflix Documentary "The Black Godfather" Chronicles Clarence Avant's Work

Clarence Avant after being inducted into the NAACP hall of fame at the 41st NAACP Image Awards, 2010

Clarence Avant is a industry leader in music. He is known as "The Godfather of Black Music", having a long history of fighting for representation and label deals for black artists. Mentored by Joseph Glasser, the manager for Louis Armstrong, Avant was well versed in the art of music management. A master of negotiation, Avant landed the first ever deal between an African American artist and record company in 1967 at Venture Records. During such a racially charged era, it is clear how knowledgeable and talented Avant is in bringing attention to artists who would have been overlooked due to race. He has many more ventures, which the documentary will dive into. In 2010, Avant was inducted into the NAACP hall of fame at the 41st NAACP image awards for his work in the African American music industry, and in 2016 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

The Netflix documentary is directed by his daughter Nicole Avant and directed by Reggie Hudlin, and will premiere on July 7th. It stars a plethora of African American artists, such as Snoop Dogg, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Diane Warren, Lionel Richie, Lucian Grange, and Jamie Foxx. This is a must watch for anyone interested in the history of African Americans in the music industry and the impact it has had on the world.
​-TM