Clive Davis, legendary record executive, has died at 94

Clive Davis, who discovered and nurtured generations of music stars, died Monday at his home in New York City.

A family representative said Davis died peacefully from an age-related illness while surrounded by family. He had experienced several health issues in recent years, including a hospitalization in May for an upper respiratory illness and a 2021 diagnosis of Bell’s palsy that forced him to postpone his longtime pre-Grammy Gala.

Over a career spanning seven decades, Davis became one of the most influential figures in the recording industry. After becoming president of Columbia Records in 1967, he transformed the label by embracing the emerging rock music movement, signing artists including Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire and Pink Floyd.

Following his departure from Columbia in the 1970s, Davis founded Arista Records, where he helped launch or revive the careers of artists such as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow, Patti Smith, Lou Reed and Annie Lennox. He later established J Records, signing Alicia Keys and continuing to shape popular music into the 21st century. He also worked with Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Usher and Rod Stewart, among many others.

Houston became the artist most closely associated with Davis. After signing her in 1983, he guided her rise into one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, producing seven consecutive No. 1 singles and more than 50 million records sold.

Artists from across the music world paid tribute following news of his death. Springsteen credited Davis with changing his life by signing him to Columbia Records, while Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, Dionne Warwick and Carlos Santana praised his ability to recognize talent and his lasting impact on popular music.

Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Davis earned scholarships to New York University and Harvard Law School before entering the music business through CBS. In 2013, he published his memoir, *The Soundtrack of My Life*, in which he publicly revealed he was bisexual.

Davis remained active in the industry until his death, continuing to host his annual pre-Grammy celebration and champion new artists. His influence on American music is reflected in the careers of countless performers whose success he helped make possible.

Source: Rolling Stone