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Clive Davis, a legendary music executive who helped shape the careers of generations of artists including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston, has died. He was 94.
His publicist said Davis died peacefully at his home in Manhattan on Monday of age-related illness, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Davis, a five-time Grammy Award winner, played a key role in furthering the work of artists across genres — R&B, jazz, rock, country and hip-hop, as well as some of pop’s biggest stars.
“To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives,” his family said in a statement. “He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.”
“To his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the center of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love,” his family said. “No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved.”
Leon Bennett
Davis, who graduated from New York University and Harvard Law School, wasn’t drawn to music in his early years, and began his career as a lawyer.
“I was plucked out of a law firm to become chief lawyer for Columbia Records three years out of law school. I did that for five years,” Davis told “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King in 2022.
He soon became head of Columbia Records, with no real training in music. He said he never thought he would have a “musical ear,” but he was credited to be one of the greatest hit-makers — signing some of the biggest names in the business, including Simon and Garfunkel, Barry Manilow, Barbra Streisand, Patti Smith, Billy Joel, and Earth Wind and Fire. His roster also included top artists like Notorious B.I.G., Alicia Keys, Luther Vandross, Rod Stewart and many more.
“I do know when I hear a hit song. And so Simon and Garfunkel, [I’ll] never forget that when they played me ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water,’ I said, ‘That has gotta be the first single,'” Davis had told CBS News, adding that “it was so classic,” and his favorite song.
Davis went on to become founder, president and later chairman & CEO of Arista Records. He was also founder and CEO of J Records, chairman of the RCA Music Group, and, most recently, worldwide chief creative officer at Sony Music Entertainment, according to the statement from his publicist.
“Davis was not only one of music’s most prolific hitmakers, innovators and developers of artistic and executive talent ever, he was one of the record industry’s first and most impactful advocates for Black artists,” the statement said.
Musician David Foster said the secret to Davis’ success was mutual respect.
“He’s completely artist-friendly and the artist always comes first,” Foster previously told CBS News.
Manilow said Davis was an inspiration to him and to everyone in the music business.
