Clintons say they're 'deeply saddened' by death of Clarence Avant, 'Godfather of Black music'

Former President Clinton and Hillary Clinton are remembering their “decades of friendship” with Clarence Avant, following the death of the recording industry executive who was dubbed the “Godfather of Black music.”

“Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend,” the Clintons said in a joint statement on Monday.

Avant died Sunday in Los Angeles at 92, according to a statement Monday from his family. The Grammy Award winner — who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 — was involved with the careers of Quincy Jones, Tom Wilson, Bill Withers and countless other music stars and producers.

Avant, the Clintons said, “brought artists and their music to millions of people. 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,” the ex-commander in chief and former secretary of State said.

In a 2001 documentary, Avant — who raised money for the Clintons and former President Obama — called the 42nd president a “very brilliant man” and “a lot of fun.”

Clinton returned the praise in a 2019 Netflix documentary on Avant, called “The Black Godfather,” saying, “The guy’s a rock in every way.”

“We give thanks for his long, good life and our decades of friendship,” the Clintons said in their statement, “and we’re grateful that his legacy will endure — in the music he helped bring into the world, and in all those who were touched by his compassion, mentorship, and generosity.”