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A look at the legacy of Clarence Avant, legendary Black entertainment manager from NC

North Carolina native Clarence Avant helped shape the careers of legendary Black singers including Bill Withers and Sarah Vaughan as well as politicians, sports figures, and actors. The famed record executive, manager, and entrepreneur known as “The Black Godfather” passed away on Sunday at the age of 92.

WFDD’s David Ford has this look back at his legacy. He spoke with Piedmont Blues Preservation Society executive director Atiba Berkley and began by asking him about Avant’s most lasting contributions. See audio above.

 

Before his arrival in the Triad, David had already established himself as a fixture in the Austin, Texas arts scene as a radio host for Classical 89.5 KMFA. During his tenure there, he produced and hosted hundreds of programs including Mind Your Music, The Basics and T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness, It's Familiar, which each won international awards in the Fine Arts Radio Competition. As a radio journalist with 88.5 WFDD, his features have been recognized by the Associated Press, Public Radio News Directors Inc., Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals, and Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas. David has written and produced national stories for NPR, KUSC and CPRN in Los Angeles and conducted interviews for Minnesota Public Radio's Weekend America.

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