Myron Lavell Avant, also known as Avant, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and a stage-play actor, born in Cleveland, Ohio. He is known for his songs, "Separated," "Read Your Mind," and "Makin' Good Love." He has produced three Platinum-selling albums. He has released 15 singles and 7 albums.
Early life and education
Avant has five siblings and he is the youngest of them all. He did not belong to a wealthy family and grew up watching his mother struggle to provide the best to her children. His mother encouraged him to improve his music skills by playing classic R&B artists like Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye. He was passionate about music since his childhood. He pursued acting during his high school education at Cleveland School for the Arts. After graduating from high school, he worked a few factory jobs.
Career
Avant began writing songs at the age of 14. He independently released his debut single, "Separated" in 1998. It was a song based on a failed romantic relationship. The single created a buzz and was played on the radio. It helped him land a deal at Magic Johnson Music. In 2000, he released his debut album, "My Thoughts," which sold more than 1.3 million copies in the United States and 4.4 million worldwide. It was released by MCA Records.His debut album featured a duet with the 1983 René & Angela classic "My First Love." It appeared in the Top 5 and helped boost Wyatt's career. In 2002, his sophomore album, "Ecstasy," was released which featured another of his Top Ten Hit, "Makin' Good Love." His third album, "Private Room," was released in 2003 which acquired the fourth rank on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. A track from this album, "Read Your Mind" was ranked 13th on the Hot 100. It was a remix featuring Snoop Dogg on the extended promo vinyl and released September 30, 2003. In the year 2006, his fourth album, "Director" was released which acquired the 1st rank on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and 4thon the Billboard 200. Its three singles did not appear in Top 40. He was featured in the remix to the Lloyd Banks song "Karma" from the 2004 albumThe Hunger for More, and has had a cameo appearance in the 2004 feature film . His self-titled fifth album, Avant, was released on December 9, 2008. Avant is now signed to Verve Forecast and released his sixth studio albumThe Letter on December 21, 2010, featuring production from the likes of The Pentagon; Mike City; Marshall Leathers; and Kajun. Avant cites R. Kelly as his biggest influence and inspiration. His eighth album The VIII was released on September 25, 2015. In 2019, Avant returned with the new single "Not Gone Lose" and signed a new label deal to release his upcoming album.
Awards and nominations
Avant received a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2004. He was nominated for Best R&B/Soul Single by Soul Train Music Award in 2001 for his debut single, "Separated." He was again nominated for Best R&B/Soul Single by Soul Train Music Award in 2007 for his single, "4 Minutes."
