Godfather of Black Music,’ Dies at 92

 

Clarence Avant, Former Motown Chairman and ‘Godfather of Black Music,’ Dies at 92

Clarence Avant, whose decades of trailblazing work as an artist manager, mentor, executive and record label owner earned him the title of “Godfather of Black Music,” died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 92. “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,” his family said in a statement. “The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”

As a New York-based manager early on in his career, the Greensboro, North Carolina native worked with Sarah Vaughan, Freddie Hubbard, Little Willie John, Jimmy Smith and producer Creed Taylor, among others. He went on to broker the sale of Stax Records in the 1960s and notably discovered and signed “Ain’t No Sunshine” singer Bill Withers. In the ’70s, Avant founded KAGB-FM (Avant Garde Broadcasting), one of the first Black-owned radio stations in the U.S.

He also launched two record companies, Sussex and Tabu, cultivating rosters that included Withers, Dennis Coffey, the S.O.S. Band, Wadsworth Mansion, The Gallery and The Presidents.

Avant’s connection with the S.O.S. Band sparked a introduction to emerging songwriting/production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Avant played an instrumental role in the pair’s success (as well as that of another hit-making duo, Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds). He was also the promoter of Michael Jackson’s “Bad” tour, Jackson’s first ever solo world tour.

He was named Motown chairman in 1993 and four years later became the first African-American to serve on the International Management Board for PolyGram.

His legendary friendship with Quincy Jones spanned decades, and he notably mentored such music industry luminaries as Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Sony/ATV chairman/CEO Jon Platt, among others.

“Clarence’s legacy is etched in the indelible marks he left on the music industry and in his tireless efforts for the rights of us all,” said Reid in a statement. “Yet, what truly sets him apart was his unwavering compassion and his ability to connect with all people on a personal level. He was the embodiment of sincerity, a rarity in a world often marked by pretense. His absence will leave a void that cannot be easily filled.”

Fellow industry icon Clive Davis added that Avant’s “extraordinary contribution to music and the barriers he broke throughout his career are unrivaled. He was the mentor to all Black executives in the music industry for decades, providing invaluable guidance and support while always standing up for equal rights. Clarence was humane and fair and inspired love and respect from all who knew him. I personally loved him and will miss him forever.”

Avant ran his Interior Music Group and Avant Garde Music publishing companies until they were sold in 2018 to Universal Music Group.

Avant was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 and in 2019, was honored by the Recording Academy with the Grammy Salute to Industry Icons award. Over the decades he also received a Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award, an NAACP Image Awards Hall Of Fame Award, a BET Honors Entrepreneur Award, and induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2008, the Recording Academy honored Avant with its Trustees Award. In June of this year, he was feted by the Jazz Foundation of America.

Involved in the social, political and sporting arenas, his relationships range from the presidential (Bill Clinton, Barack Obama) to the entrepreneurial (Oprah Winfrey) to the boxing ring (Muhammad Ali, for whom he secured a variety special on ABC).

“Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Clarence Avant, whose legendary career brought artists and their music to millions of people,” said Clinton in a social media post. “He also used his success to open doors of opportunity to new generations of entrepreneurs and promoters. He was skillful, savvy, warm, and wise. It was impossible to spend time with him and not come away feeling more positive and wanting to follow his example. We just loved him.”

Avant was the subject of the Netflix documentary The Black Godfather (2019). The film chronicles Avant’s colorful, barrier-breaking career and enduring legacy through interviews with an industry who’s who. Among those paying tribute are Snoop Dogg, Sean “Diddy” Combs, hit songwriter Diane Warren, Lionel Richie, David Geffen, music/film producer Suzanne de Passe, Universal Music Group chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge, actress Cicely Tyson and Jamie Foxx.

Clarence Avant, Jackie Avant

Clarence Avant and wife Jackie Avant attend BET’s Pre-Grammy Brunch at The Four Seasons Hotel on Feb. 12, 2017 in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Earl Gibson III

Avant married Jacqueline Gray in 1967 and the pair moved from New York to Beverly Hills. Their daughter, Nicole Avant, is a film producer (including The Black Godfather) and former U.S. Ambassador and is married to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos; Clarence and Jacqueline’s son, Alex Avant, is a talent representative for a major Los Angeles-based agency. Celebrating his dad’s 90th birthday in 2021, Alex Avant paid tribute on social media.

“Your generosity is rare and should be studied. Your ability to personally find positive solutions for thousands of people including myself when things look dark is magical,” he wrote. “I’ve been exposed to some of the most fascinating experiences life can offer as a kid. Coming from Greensboro North Carolina (Climax) who would have known that you would quietly have your hands in some of the most profound moments in entertainment, politics and sports history.”

In December of 2021, the Avant family was hit with tragedy when Jacqueline Avant was shot and killed during a attempted burglary of the couples’ Beverly Hills home. The philanthropist had been working on building a center to help children in South Los Angeles, the Jacqueline Avant Children & Family Center, which opened earlier this year.

president Morey a ‘liar

 

James Harden calls 76ers president Morey a ‘liar’ after trade talks fail

James Harden has vented his dissatisfaction with the Philadelphia 76ers as his efforts to leave the team appear to have stalled.

The 76ers agreed to look into trading the 10-time All-Star in June. Harden’s preferred destination is the Los Angeles Clippers but sources have told ESPN that the Sixers’ have asked for too much in return. ESPN now reports that the 76ers want Harden to report to training camp for the start of the season.

“[76ers president] Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said during an Adidas event in China on Monday. “Let me say that again. Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.” The 76ers have clear problems as the new season approaches. They are still hurting after blowing a 3-2 series lead to rivals Boston Celtics in last season’s Eastern Conference semi-finals, and they fired their coach, Doc Rivers, in the aftermath. The Sixers hope to have Harden playing alongside the reigning NBA MVP, Joel Embiid, in the coming season. But Harden was already unhappy with his contract before the trade talks and Embiid played poorly in the postseason, raising questions about his ability to carry a team to a title.

There would be further repercussions for Harden. Under the terms of the NBA collective bargaining agreement, if he holds out for more than 30 days at the start of the season, he will not be able to become a free agent next off-season.

Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP, has tried to force his way off his third team in three years. Harden blossomed into a star with the Houston Rockets – when Morey ran the team – until he wanted a trade to Brooklyn. The Rockets eventually agreed and shipped him to the Nets. When a Big Three championship run with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving failed to develop, Harden wanted a trade to the 76ers – in large part, because of his strong professional and personal ties with Morey.

Harden did lead the NBA in assists this season, but one of the league’s great isolation scorers took a back seat to Embiid. It now appears that playing as the second option behind Embiid and chasing a championship in Philly is no longer seriously on the table.

The 76ers have been down this road before when former No 1 draft pick Ben Simmons demanded a trade after his relationship soured with Rivers and others in the organization. Simmons caused a disruption in training camp in 2021, never played for the Sixers that season and eventually was traded for Harden.

Women’s World Cup 2023

 

Spain vs Sweden preview: Women’s World Cup 2023 semi-final

A clash of styles as free-scoring Spain play set-piece specialists Sweden for a place in the final.

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High-scoring Spain and physical set-piece specialists Sweden will vie for a spot in the final on Tuesday at Auckland’s Eden Park, setting up a showdown in Sydney with either co-hosts Australia or European champions England for the chance to be crowned a first-time World Cup winner.

La Roja’s only previous semi-final appearance at a major tournament was at the 1997 Euros. They made their World Cup debut in 2015, and their best result prior to this tournament was a last 16 exit four years ago.

After seeing off 2019 runners-up the Netherlands, they are now one win away from a first final and have scored 15 goals in the process, less than a year after 15 players staged a revolt against long-serving coach Jorge Vilda and threatened to quit unless changes were made. Vilda was ultimately backed by the federation in the dispute and only three of the 15 players made it to the World Cup squad.

“If you don’t feel any nerves before a game like this then something is not right,” veteran forward Jenni Hermoso said. “It gives you goose bumps thinking about how close we are to the final. … Spain will come out more determined than ever.

“We have worked so hard to get here. … I want the whole team to enjoy it and for the whole of Spain to be behind us.”

1 winners and losers

 

2023 NFL preseason Week 1 winners and losers: Justin Fields, Saints offense, young WRs among standouts

Preseason football isn't nearly as cut-and-dry as the regular season when it comes to evaluating performances. Context is doubly important, with big names often intermingled with fringe-of-the-roster hopefuls. But that doesn't mean we can't draw a few conclusions in the lead-up to the real matchups. With a week of 2023 NFL preseason in the books, here are some of the most notable winners and losers:

Winner: Dorian Thompson-Robinson

One hundred and thirty-nine players went ahead of the UCLA quarterback in the 2023 draft, but the fifth-round rookie has been a legit dual threat in two extensive appearances for the Browns. Against two solid defensive teams in the Jets and Commanders, DTR has gone 17 of 21 (81%) while averaging five yards per rush. He should be in play to open as Deshaun Watson's top backup.

Loser: Mac Jones

The much-maligned Patriots starter didn't suit up against the Texans, but instead watched as 1) backup Bailey Zappe accurately completed all but two of his 14 passes; 2) the retooled offensive line struggled to hold firm; and 3) undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham jump-started the offense with electric scrambling. Jones' job is safe for now, but the urgency for play-making is growing in New England.

Winner: Saints fans

New Orleans is banking a lot on the availability of veterans who've struggled with just that, but seeing Derek Carr dishing it to Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas against the Chiefs, with Jameis Winston later dumping it to Jimmy Graham (!), must've been encouraging. The NFC South isn't exactly loaded with surefire contenders, so if those big names stay healthy to pair with Dennis Allen's defense, maybe a sneaky playoff run wouldn't be crazy after all.

Loser: Kyle Trask

The Buccaneers have refused every opportunity to simply hand starting QB duties to Baker Mayfield, but Trask was clearly inferior against the Steelers in his first audition for Tom Brady's old job. Whereas Mayfield went 8 of 9 with a touchdown drive capped by a perfect scoring pass, Trask was picked off and sacked three times behind the same line. He probably needs a dominant showing or two in the remainder of the preseason to unseat Mayfield for the Week 1 gig.

Winner: Justin Fields

The young Bears QB finally got reinforcements this offseason, but his brief work against the Titans, complete with the renovated offense, was even more promising than expected. Throwing just three passes, Fields finished with 129 yards and two scores thanks to brilliant after-the-catch burst and vision from both D.J. Moore and Khalil Herbert. Obviously Fields will face different challenges in the real games, but talk about an encouraging first step into 2023. He didn't have nearly the help a year ago.

Loser: Established backup QBs

Some of them were just fine; Drew Lock, for example, looked sharp for Seattle, and Tyler Huntley cemented himself as Lamar Jackson's No. 2 in Baltimore. But there were just as many, if not more, incumbent or presumptive backups who struggled to fend off down-the-depth-chart competition. Nate Sudfeld, who's drawn repeated endorsements from Lions brass, threw two picks in the wake of Teddy Bridgewater's arrival. Marcus Mariota, who joined the Eagles to back up Jalen Hurts, was far more mercurial through the air than rookie Tanner McKee. And Brian Hoyer, the Raiders' new No. 2, became an afterthought as rookie Aidan O'Connell coasted through the 49ers in what amounted to a full start.

Winner: Young WRs

Richie James may not be young by typical standards going on 28, but he's an emergent name and poised for a breakout in Kansas City, where he hauled in a couple of key Blaine Gabbert throws against the Saints. Meanwhile, rookies Jordan Addison and Tank Dell had highlight-reel plays for the Texans and Vikings, respectively, with Addison displaying All-Pro footwork on the sidelines and Dell flashing utility-weapon electricity. The Steelers might also have an underrated deep threat in 2022 fourth-rounder Calvin Austin III, who snuck past the Buccaneers for a bomb of a touchdown.

Loser: Instantly high first-round QB expectations

Growing pains were always inevitable, but most of the highest-drafted signal-callers had a bit of a rude awakening in their first exhibition work. Bryce Young got rid of the ball quickly for the Panthers but managed just 21 yards behind an iffy line. The Texans' C.J. Stroud threw an ugly pick in two scoreless drives against the Patriots. The Colts' Anthony Richardson threw an even uglier one against the Bills and had a nice deep shot dropped. And Titans second-rounder Will Levis failed to outperform 2022 third-rounder Malik Willis, who suddenly looks like a safe bet to back up Ryan Tannehill going into the year.

Winner: Robbie Gould

The 49ers had few answers for the Raiders in Las Vegas' Sunday rout, and it didn't help they couldn't find relief on special teams. Third-round rookie Jake Moody entered with an apparent edge on trade acquisition Zane Gonzalez, only to miss field goals from both 40 and 57 yards. This occurred just weeks after longtime 49ers leg Robbie Gould said he would've liked to return to San Francisco for a 19th NFL season. The 40-year-old Gould is still available, and maybe now the Niners will have reason to call.

Loser: Trey Lance

It's probably more accurate to say the former first-rounder had mixed results in his first game action since early in the 2022 season. If not for a pair of missed field goals, he might've kept the 49ers competitive with the Raiders. But in six series, he led just one score, which came on a near-pick, and took four sacks while improvising behind middling protection. His challenger for the team's No. 2 job, Sam Darnold, floated some prettier passes on a more balanced script. But the fact both guys paled in comparison to Raiders rookie Aidan O'Connell means there's still work to be done behind Brock Purdy in the 49ers' QB room.