Dionne Warwick, Bruce Springsteen and Alicia Keys were among the stars who paid tribute to Clive Davis at his funeral in New York City on Monday.
A host of music legends, actors and public figures gathered at Manhattan’s Central Synagogue to celebrate the life of the legendary record executive and producer, who helped launch the careers of some of the biggest names in music.
The service opened with a performance from Kenny G, one of the many artists signed by Davis during his illustrious career.
Music icon Warwick was among the first to speak, reflecting on her decades-long friendship with the producer.
She said, “There was not anything that he ever did that I didn’t get the first phone call: ‘You will be there right?’ … He was always asking, ‘Where’s my Dionne?’ Well, I’m here today, Clive. Will always be here for you.”
Keys also addressed mourners, becoming visibly emotional as she initially stood with her back to the audience and wiped away tears.
Sharing that Davis changed her life “forever”, Keys praised the record executive for standing by her throughout her career and being “full of love”.
Meanwhile, Springsteen described Davis as a “great man” and told mourners he had been treated with “respect and kindness” by the music mogul from the very beginning of their relationship.
He added that Davis had never missed one of his New York performances and had most recently attended a three-hour show at the age of 94.
Jennifer Hudson performed Whitney Houston’s signature hit I Will Always Love You in honour of the late music executive, who discovered Houston and played a pivotal role in turning her into one of the biggest stars in music history.
Among the other music stars attending the service were Barry Manilow and Stevie Wonder, both of whom worked closely with Davis during their careers.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody and television personalities Hoda Kotb and Gayle King were also among the notable figures paying their respects.
Davis died on 22 June at the age of 94 at his Manhattan apartment, weeks after being hospitalised with an upper respiratory illness.
