Gus Ruelas/Reuters
Clarence Avant, the entertainment executive affectionately known as the “Black Godfather” of music, died on Sunday, his family confirmed. He was 92.
A statement released Monday by his children announced Avant’s death “with a heavy heart.” It added that he “passed away gently at home in Los Angeles on Sunday,” though no cause of death was disclosed.
“Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports,” the statement from his children, Nicole and Alexander, as well as son-in-law Ted Sarandos, the Netflix co-CEO, read, according to Variety. “Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come. The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”