Clarence Avant, the music executive and film producer who was known unofficially as “The Godfather” of Black entertainment, died on Sunday in his Los Angeles home. He was 92.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant,” a statement from his children, Nicole and Alexander, as well as his son-in-law Ted Sarandos read. “Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics and sports. 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.”
Avant began his music industry career in the 1950s as a manager of Teddy P’s Lounge in Newark, New Jersey. He would later go on...
“It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant,” a statement from his children, Nicole and Alexander, as well as his son-in-law Ted Sarandos read. “Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics and sports. 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.”
Avant began his music industry career in the 1950s as a manager of Teddy P’s Lounge in Newark, New Jersey. He would later go on...
- 8/14/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Jeff Goldblum, a gifted pianist in addition to his acting skills, showcases his talents on the 88 keys on his new rendition of the jazz classic “A Baptist Beat,” the latest single off the actor’s upcoming EP Plays Well With Others.
The EP focuses on standards Goldblum considers “the best songs ever written,” with the Hank Mobley gem “A Baptist Beat” among those six selections. On Goldblum’s rendition, he summons his inner Wynton Kelly — the pianist who played on the 1961 original — while accompanied by his longtime big band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.
The EP focuses on standards Goldblum considers “the best songs ever written,” with the Hank Mobley gem “A Baptist Beat” among those six selections. On Goldblum’s rendition, he summons his inner Wynton Kelly — the pianist who played on the 1961 original — while accompanied by his longtime big band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.
- 3/3/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Wayne Shorter, the legendary, Grammy-winning saxophonist who — in addition to his own renowned albums and work with jazz supergroup Weather Report — collaborated with the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan, and Joni Mitchell, has died at the age of 89.
The venerated musician died Thursday morning, March 2, in Los Angeles, Shorter’s rep confirmed to Rolling Stone. No cause of death was provided. His longtime label Blue Note said in a statement Thursday, “Visionary composer, saxophonist, visual artist, devout Buddhist, devoted husband, father, and grandfather Wayne Shorter has passed...
The venerated musician died Thursday morning, March 2, in Los Angeles, Shorter’s rep confirmed to Rolling Stone. No cause of death was provided. His longtime label Blue Note said in a statement Thursday, “Visionary composer, saxophonist, visual artist, devout Buddhist, devoted husband, father, and grandfather Wayne Shorter has passed...
- 3/2/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Jimmy Cobb, a jazz drummer and the last surviving member of the ensemble sextet of Miles Davis’ iconic album, Kind of Blue, died Sunday lung cancer at his home in Manhattan. He was 91. His wife, Eleana Tee Cobb, made the announcement on Facebook.
The 1959 albumKind of Blue is considered one of the greatest jazz records of all time. At the time of its release, the album was met with rave reviews from critics, widespread radio play and often is regarded as the best-selling jazz album in history, It was certified quintuple-platinum last year. Kind of Blue also was honored as a national treasure by the U.S. House of Representatives.
He worked on several other Davis albums including Sketches of Spain, Someday My Prince Will Come, Miles Davis at Carnegie Hall, and The Complete Blackhawk.
Notable Hollywood & Entertainment Industry Deaths In 2020: Photo Gallery
Born in Washington, D.C. in...
The 1959 albumKind of Blue is considered one of the greatest jazz records of all time. At the time of its release, the album was met with rave reviews from critics, widespread radio play and often is regarded as the best-selling jazz album in history, It was certified quintuple-platinum last year. Kind of Blue also was honored as a national treasure by the U.S. House of Representatives.
He worked on several other Davis albums including Sketches of Spain, Someday My Prince Will Come, Miles Davis at Carnegie Hall, and The Complete Blackhawk.
Notable Hollywood & Entertainment Industry Deaths In 2020: Photo Gallery
Born in Washington, D.C. in...
- 5/25/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Jazz drummer Jimmy Cobb, best known for backing Miles Davis on a string of iconic records, including 1959’s Kind of Blue, has died from lung cancer at age 91, NPR reports.
Cobb, born in Washington D.C. in 1929, began his touring career with saxophonist Earl Bostic in 1950. This led to a cascading series of gigs with vocalist Dinah Washington, pianist Wynton Kelly, and saxophonist Cannonball Adderley.
His most famous work arrived at the end of that decade: Along with Davis’ modal, melodic masterpiece Kind of Blue — which Rolling Stone named the...
Cobb, born in Washington D.C. in 1929, began his touring career with saxophonist Earl Bostic in 1950. This led to a cascading series of gigs with vocalist Dinah Washington, pianist Wynton Kelly, and saxophonist Cannonball Adderley.
His most famous work arrived at the end of that decade: Along with Davis’ modal, melodic masterpiece Kind of Blue — which Rolling Stone named the...
- 5/25/2020
- by Ryan Reed and Hank Shteamer
- Rollingstone.com
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