The new music from the 'Happy' hitmaker is released in celebration of the launch of new Netflix documentary about the legendary music executive titled 'The Black Godfather'.
- Jun 8, 2019
AceShowbiz - Pharrell Williams has saluted legendary music executive Clarence Avant in song to celebrate the launch of a new Netflix documentary about his trailblazing career.
Co-written by Pharrell and his longtime collaborator Chad Hugo, "Letter to My Godfather" is a nod to Avant's impact on the music industry and African-American history, having helped to push boundaries behind the scenes of the entertainment industry for decades.
Nicknamed the Godfather of Black Music, he was also responsible for signing Bill Withers, and mentoring a number of top hitmakers, including Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Antonio 'L.A.' Reid (L.A. Reid), and Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016.
His life and legacy have now been chronicled in Reginald Hudlin's new film, "The Black Godfather", and Williams was immediately inspired to pen his song tribute after he was shown the project by producer Nicole Avant, who is also Clarence's daughter.
"Clarence Avant connects us all through his incredible impact since before I was born up until now," Williams shares in a statement. "He's the godfather to so many of us - and not just African-Americans, most of the industry."
"Letter to My Godfather" was released on Friday, June 07, to coincide with the launch of "The Black Godfather" on streaming service Netflix and in select theatres.
