Film by Reginald Hudlin tells story of Clarence Avant--talent manager, music executive, entrepreneur, mentor, fixer, phenomenon The world premiere of the Netflix documentary The Black Godfather drew an extraordinary array of Hollywood stars and greats from the world of music, sports and politics--a clear tribute to the man whose story is told in the film. The documentary reveals the incredible influence of entrepreneur, talent manager and record industry executive Clarence Avant on the lives and careers of some of the most significant figures in America from Sean Combs to Snoop Dogg, singer Bill Withers, composer Lalo Schifrin, Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, Ambassador Andrew Young, Presidents Obama, Clinton and Carter, and many more. Avant, now 88, preferred playing behind-the-scenes roles in Hollywood, the music business and the political arena, earning a reputation as a uniquely gifted deal maker who managed to make everyone come out ahead in a negotiation. The Black Godfather, directed by Reginald Hudlin, opens in select theaters this Friday and premieres on Netflix the same day. Click on the gallery to see who attended the world premiere on the Paramount Studios lot in Hollywood. |
AuthorMatthew Carey is a documentary filmmaker and journalist. His work has appeared on Deadline.com, CNN, CNN.com, TheWrap.com, NBCNews.com and in Documentary magazine. |