Clive Davis, one of the most influential record executives in pop music history, has died at the age of 94.
The news was confirmed by his longtime representative Aliza Rabinoff, who said Davis died peacefully at his home in Manhattan earlier today (June 22), surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Davis had recently been hospitalised in New York City following an upper respiratory issue, and was discharged on June 4.
“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.”
Across a career spanning more than six decades, Davis helped shape the careers of artists including Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, Santana, Alicia Keys, Patti Smith and many more.
Born in Brooklyn on April 4, 1932, Davis was raised in the Crown Heights neighbourhood. After losing both of his parents as a teenager, he went on to study at New York University and Harvard Law School on scholarships, before entering the music business as a lawyer.
He joined Columbia Records in 1960 and rose rapidly through the company, becoming president in 1967. Inspired by attending the legendary Monterey Pop Festival that same year, he led Columbia further into the rock era, signing Janis Joplin with Big Brother And The Holding Company and later working with acts including Santana, Springsteen, Joel, Aerosmith and Pink Floyd.
Davis left Columbia in 1973 after being accused of misusing company funds, allegations he denied. He later pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion, while other charges were dropped.
He returned the following year by founding Arista Records, where he signed and developed artists including Barry Manilow, Patti Smith, the Grateful Dead, Aretha Franklin and, most famously, Whitney Houston, whom he signed in 1983 when she was 19.
Houston’s self-titled debut album arrived in 1985 and helped establish her as one of the biggest pop stars of all time. Davis also played a key role in the late-career success of Santana’s 1999 album ‘Supernatural’, before launching J Records in 2000 and helping break Alicia Keys with ‘Songs In A Minor’.
Patti Smith is among those to have paid tribute to Davis, writing: “This is thanking Clive Davis for transforming music, and on a very personal note, for believing in me, shepherding my efforts and a half century of your love and support.”
Davis won five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as a non-performer in 2000. He was also known for his annual pre-Grammy gala, which became one of the music industry’s most high-profile events.
He is survived by his four children, Fred, Doug, Mitchell and Lauren, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his cousin Jo Schuman and his partner Greg Schriefer.
