This article delves into the lives of Clarence Avant’s children, Nicole Avant and Alexander Devore Avant, illuminating their individual journeys.
The music community is in mourning as Clarence Avant, known as the Godfather of Black Music, passed away at 92 on August 13, 2023. He peacefully left this world in his Los Angeles home, though the exact cause of his passing remains undisclosed. With his departure, intrigue about his family grows.
Born on August 3, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, Alexander Devore embarked on a journey within the entertainment realm as an actor, producer, and writer. His career showcased remarkable versatility, with notable roles in various films and television series.
Notably, he portrayed Ben in “Courting Alex” (2006) and took on the role of a policeman in “The Hair Show.” Additionally, he contributed to the TV series “NCIS” as a clerk. While his professional accomplishments flourished, his personal life details, including marital status, remain undisclosed. Devore’s path in the industry exemplifies his unwavering dedication to creative expression and the art of storytelling.
Nicole Avant, daughter of Clarence and Jacqueline Avant. Born on March 6, 1968, she is now 52 years old. Growing up in Hollywood, their family home hosted esteemed figures like Jimmy Carter and Tom Bradley, shaping her formative years.
Nicole’s educational journey saw her graduate from Beverly Hills High School in 1986 and earn a B.A. in communications from California State University, Northridge, in 1990. She embarked on her career at A&M Records’ promotion division before becoming vice president at Interior Music Publishing, her father’s company.
In a notable stride, President Barack Obama appointed Nicole as the United States Ambassador to the Bahamas in 2009. This distinction marked her as the first black woman and the youngest U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas at 41. During her tenure, she was nominated for the State Department’s Sue M. Cobb Award for her exemplary diplomatic service.
Post-politically, Nicole’s achievements continue to shine. She produced the documentary “The Black Godfather” in 2019, focusing on her father Clarence Avant’s life. Her husband, Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, played a pivotal role in distributing the film through the streaming platform.
A champion of empowerment, Nicole’s investment in Thirteen Lune, an e-commerce site, reflects her dedication to promoting makeup, skincare, haircare, and wellness products owned by people of color and ally brands.
Beyond her professional journey, Nicole’s personal life intertwines with Ted Sarandos, her husband and co-CEO of Netflix. Their partnership exemplifies commitment to their careers and shared values.
Clarence Alexander Avant, born on February 25, 1931, in Climax, North Carolina, carved his name as a visionary within the music industry. Raised amidst a bustling household alongside seven siblings, he pursued his education in Greensboro until the eighth grade. The Avant family’s quest for new horizons led them to New Jersey in 1947, with Clarence being a teenager at the time.
Upon settling in New Jersey, Avant embarked on his initial musical venture as a stock clerk at Macy’s, concurrently engaging with a law directory. Nevertheless, his transformative juncture materialized through his connection to Teddy Powell’s musical hub, Teddy P’s Lounge in Newark. It was during the dynamic era of the 1950s that Avant took his first steps into the world of music, igniting a trajectory that would ultimately shape him into an industry titan.
Guided by the mentorship of Joe Glaser, a renowned figure in Louis Armstrong’s management, Avant’s talent for artist management and promotion blossomed. He deftly maneuvered the careers of notable musicians, including R&B luminary Little Willie John and jazz icons like Sarah Vaughan and Jimmy Smith.
In 1962, Avant’s horizons expanded significantly with the inception of Avant Garde Enterprises, Inc., leading to fruitful collaborations with luminaries such as Lalo Schifrin and Jimmy Smith. His influence permeated beyond the confines of music, extending into the shaping of organizations like the National Association of Radio Announcers (NARA) and pioneering endeavors like PlayTape.
The establishment of Sussex Productions, Inc. in 1966 further underscored Avant’s ability to foster budding talent. The formation of Venture Records Inc. in 1967 marked a pivotal milestone, forging an unprecedented partnership between an African American artist and a major record company. Avant’s astute business acumen materialized through partnerships, including one with Motown’s William “Mickey” Stevenson.
His trajectory soared higher as he orchestrated the sale of Stax Records to Gulf+Western in 1968, showcasing his negotiation finesse. Avant’s resolute commitment to African American representation culminated in the creation of Sussex Records in 1969, a platform that unearthed talents like Bill Withers.
His influential reach extended into broadcasting with the establishment of Avant Garde Broadcasting, Inc. in 1971, marked by the acquisition of an African-American-owned FM radio station in Los Angeles. Despite challenges, Avant’s unwavering dedication to amplifying minority voices remained unshaken.
Avant’s multifaceted dedication further manifested as the executive producer of the 1973 film “Save the Children,” seamlessly intertwining performances by black entertainers with poignant portrayals of marginalized communities.
The narrative of Clarence Avant’s early life and career reverberates as a pioneering odyssey across the realms of music and entertainment. Emerging from humble origins in North Carolina, he emerged as a trailblazer shaping record labels and championing diversity, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire aspiring artists, entrepreneurs, and advocates of transformation.
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