The Recording Academy and Clive Davis have announced the Feb. 9 2019 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons gala will honor Clarence Avant, the multi-faceted music industry executive also known as the Godfather of Black Music.
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"We are incredibly excited to honor Clarence Avant with this year’s GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Award," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "His pioneering work in the industry has redefined what it means to be a leader and opened countless doors for musicians from all backgrounds."
"For several decades Clarence Avant has been the quintessential adviser to almost every successful African-American music executive and artist," said Davis, the Pre-GRAMMY Gala co-host. "He defined the term master mentor and definitely has played a vital role in music history." Davis and Avant have both received the Recording Academy's Trustees Award in 2000 and 2008 respectively.
Artists such as Jimmy Jam and Quincy Jones testify for all Avant has done. Avant's own labels and other entertainment businesses placed him in varied top leadership roles, but he also always took the time to reach out and help others. More than 10 years ago, Jimmy Jam said Avant was "one of those who broke the mold," truly one-of-a-kind.
The event takes place during GRAMMY Week on the evening before the 61st GRAMMY Awards and is by invitation only.
