Jennifer Hudson honored the late Clive Davis with a poignant performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” at the legendary music executive’s funeral in New York City on Monday morning (June 29).
Dionne Warwick, Clive Davis’ sons, Sony Music chairman Rob Stringer and Rod Stewart each delivered heartfelt speeches memorializing Davis prior to Hudson’s performance at Manhattan’s Central Synagoge.
The singer — who has achieved EGOT status — was overcome with emotion as she kicked off her tribute to Davis with a thunderous cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Tears filled the synagogue when Hudson moved into performing Whitney Houston’s classic “I Will Always Love You,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks in 1992. (The hit was originally Dolly Parton’s; the country icon took it to No. 53 in 1982.)
The beautiful tribute delivered a whirlwind of haunting emotions. Perhaps no artist is as closely associated with Clive Davis as Houston, whom he signed to Arista Records after seeing her perform in 1983.
“We love you, Clive,” a sobbing Hudson said in the midst of her performance.
Hudson previously performed “I Will Always Love You” at the 2012 Grammy Awards in a moving tribute to Whitney Houston, who passed away at age 48 the day before the ceremony.
Hudson and Davis remained close over the last two decades, since the American Idol alum signed to Davis’ J Records label in 2006.
“I needed a moment … This was a huge blow to wake up to. I know nobody lives forever, but Clive’s impact and legacy will always live on,” the singer wrote to Instagram after learning of Davis’ passing on June 22. “Yes, he was the legendary music mogul, but he was family to me. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. You will be missed, Clive ! We will always celebrate your life and legacy.”
Hudson’s performance was followed by Alicia Keys and Bruce Springsteen, who shared stories and spoke glowingly of the music titan. A private burial was set to follow on Monday afternoon.
Clive Davis passed away from age-related illness at 94 years old on June 22 at his New York home while surrounded by family.
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