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NEW YORK (W) — Music mogul Clive Davis passed away in New York City at age 94.
His family reports that he passed away peacefully from age-related illness at his home in Manhattan, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Davis, who graduated from New York University and Harvard Law School, would go on to hold some of the most prestigious titles in the music industry, becoming president of Columbia Records in 1967 before founding Arista Records in 1974.
Davis was credited for the rise of several major artists. The list includes:
Janis Joplin, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Chicago, Carlos Santana, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, Earth, Wind & Fire, Simon & Garfunkel, Sly & The Family Stone, Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston, Gil Scott-Heron, Patti Smith, Foo Fighters, Sarah McLachlan, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox, The Kinks, The Grateful Dead, Dionne Warwick, Carly Simon, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Toni Braxton, Notorious B.I.G., Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, Luther Vandross, Rod Stewart, Kenny G, Usher and Jennifer Hudson.
Known around the world as the “Man with the Golden Ears,” Davis was an unrivaled music visionary, producer and industry leader whose success during 60 years atop the music industry spanned such genres as Pop, Rock and Roll, R&B, Country and Hip-Hop.
His family released a statement saying,
“To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives. 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. No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved.
“Through every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive’s greatest pride and deepest joy. Today, we celebrate not only a towering figure whose influence changed music forever, but the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness. We will miss him greatly, cherish him always, and carry his love with us for the rest of our lives.”
Davis is survived by his children Fred, Doug, Mitchell and Lauren, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren and more.
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