The producers: whether creating groundbreaking movies, developing original TV programs, or making soulful music, these 50 power brokers call the shots in America's most dynamic industries - Business Of Entertainment - Cover Story

Black Enterprise, Dec, 2002 by Derek T. Dingle, Christina Morgan, Shani Smothers, Hyacinth Carbon, Tykisha Lundy, Sophia Rose, Siobhan Benet, Sonja Brown, Chana Garcia

CLARENCE AVANT

Title: Principal, Avant Garde Publishing, Interior Records

Why He's Powerful: He is called "The Godfather" for a reason. Industry insiders say there are only a handful of people who have mentored and groomed as many careers as Avant. It was his deal-making prowess and business acumen that enabled producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to cut lucrative music publishing and production deals. Avant was also instrumental in helping Antonio "L.A." Reid and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds create LaFace Records (which has since been folded into Arista), and he counseled Motown's management team about restructuring its operations when he served as chairman from 1993 to 1998. Although he's in semiretirement, the entrepreneur who conducts business in sweat suits and sneakers, still serves as consigliere to emerging artists as well as industry power brokers. The Godfather still has much juice.

Career Track: A superb deal maker, Avant negotiated the first joint venture between an African American artist and a major record company in the late '60s. By 1971, he formed his own outfit, Sussex Records, and signed popular artists such as Bill Withers, Dennis Coffey, and The Presidents. The label became so successful it was ranked among the BE 100s. Shortly after, Avant purchased KAGB-FM, becoming one of the first blacks to own an FM radio station. In the '80s, he launched Tabu Records.

Big Break: The North Carolina native began his career 36 years ago, managing the careers of notables such as jazz organist Jimmy Smith and composer Lalo Schifrin.

STEPHANIE ALLAIN

Title: President of Production, Jim Henson Pictures

Age: 43

Education: B.A., University of California, Santa Cruz

Why She's Powerful: Allain is in charge of The Muppets. Don't laugh. The Muppets represent a multi-billion-dollar franchise. As the president of production for Jim Henson Pictures, a joint venture between Jim Henson Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment, Allain is calling the shots in development and production of 10 to 15 films over the next five years.

Career Track: The New Orleans native got her start in motion pictures as a story analyst for Warner Bros., Twentieth Century Fox, and Creative Artists Agency. She is credited with bringing John Singleton to Columbia (Boyz N the Hood, Poetic Justice, and Higher Learning collectively grossed $123 million). In 1996 she moved to the Jim Henson Company and, among other projects, served as executive producer of the 1999 hit Muppets From Space, which grossed $127 million.

Big Break: Becoming a story analyst for major motion picture houses.

STEPHEN D. BARNES

Title: Partner, Bloom, Hergott, Diemer & Cook

Age: 49

Education: B.A., University of Southern California; J.D., Harvard Law

Why He's Powerful: As a partner in the prominent entertainment law firm Bloom, Hergott, Diemer & Cook, Barnes' clients include, among others, Babyface, Snoop Dogg, and Chris Rock. He sits on the board of a number of charitable and nonprofit organizations, including a national scholarship competition for law students, and holds a conference during Grammy week for members of the Recording Academy and students.