transition from retiring boxing star to beloved entertainment figure, insisting that ABC hire the same Black director, Stan Lathan, who had directed “Save the Children.”y for the entertainment industry’s Black community to come together with local and national politicians. He put together a star-studded concert for Andrew Young when the civil rights icon was running for Congress in 1972.
By the mid-’70s, though, Avant had overextended himself and his businesses hit the skids. Withers left for Columbia Records after Avant couldn’t pay him and, facing tax liens that sparked an IRS raid, Sussex shut down. Avant Garde Broadcasting went bankrupt a few months later, and Avant suddenly found himself in perilous financial trouble with no easy solution in sight.
With success after success, Avant assumed the persona of the “Black Godfather,” the man who knew everybody, the go-to guy whose advice helped younger Black executives and performers get ahead. His influence touched a remarkable range of artists. Snoop Dogg credited Avant with steering him toward “a stance of peace” when he was having trouble with Death Row Records’ Suge Knight. Sean “Diddy” Combs said bluntly in the documentary, “Clarence makes sure you don’t get f—” by the entertainment industry.