Clive Davis, the influential music executive who launched and mentored some of the most iconic artists in history, has died at the age of 94. His family confirmed his passing on Monday, noting that he died peacefully at his home in Manhattan after a recent hospitalization for an upper respiratory infection.
Davis, known as 'the man with the golden ear,' played a pivotal role in the careers of artists such as Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, and Alicia Keys. He founded Arista Records in 1974 and later launched J Records, serving as the chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment until his death.
Tributes poured in from across the music industry, with Bruce Springsteen recalling how Davis signed him at 22 and treated him with respect, while Barry Manilow described their five-decade collaboration as a family bond. Davis was also celebrated for his ability to adapt across genres, from rock to hip-hop, and for reviving careers like those of Santana and Aretha Franklin.
Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Davis initially pursued a career in law before transitioning to the music industry at Columbia Records. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and won four Grammy Awards for his contributions to music. His legacy includes shaping the sound of multiple generations and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.