Clarence Avant, a trailblazer in the music business considered the “Godfather of Black Music,” reportedly died on Sunday (August 13) at his Los Angeles home. He was 92.

In a statement shared with BET, Avant’s family says his passing comes after a long and fruitful career and life.

“It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant. Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as “The Black Godfather” in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports,” the statement reads. 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.”

A cause of death has not yet been revealed publicly.

The former mentor, executive and label owner, Avant began his career as a New York-based manager, working with Sarah Vaughan, Freddie Hubbard, Creed Taylor, Jimmy Smith, and Little Willie John, among others. During the 1960s, he brokered the sale of Stax Records and discovered Bill Withers around the same time.

Additionally, Avant helped found KAGB-AM, one of the first Black-owned radio stations in the United States, as well as two record companies, Sussex and Tabu. In 1993, he was named Motown chairman, and four years later, became the first African-American to serve on the International Management Board for PolyGram.

In 2021, Clarence Avant was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.