The legendary music executive passed away June 22 at age 94.
Legendary music executive Clive Davis died from age-related illness at 94 on Monday (June 22). Davis was a hit-making titan and known for shaping the careers of superstars such as Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow and Maroon 5.
Davis served as the president of Columbia Records from 1967 to 1973 and then founded Arista Records, which saw him sign Aretha Franklin, Patti Smith and Dionne Warwick. He later founded J Records in 2000 where Alicia Keys and Maroon 5 called home.
Throughout his six decades of brilliance in the music industry, Davis served as a mentor to acts such as Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, Aerosmith, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Usher, Rod Stewart, Jennifer Hudson and Luther Vandross.
Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party has also been a star-studded staple of the awards weekend throughout the years.
“To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives,” Davis’ family said in a statement on social media announcing his death. “He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.
“To his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the center of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love. No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved.
“Through every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive’s greatest pride and deepest joy. Today, we celebrate not only a towering figure whose influence changed music forever, but the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness. We will miss him greatly, cherish him always, and carry his love with us for the rest of our lives.”
There’s been an outpouring of support since the news of Davis’ passing was announced by his family early Monday.
Among those to pay tribute to Davis was Springsteen. “Over here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend, Clive Davis. At 22 years old, he changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records,” Springsteen wrote on his website and Instagram. “He treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success. A great man. All our prayers and love.”
Keys, who just performed at the Knicks ticker-tape parade on Thursday (June 18), remembered Davis with a photo collage of the two of them together shared via her Instagram Stories. She added a simple dove and purple heart emoji to the snap.
Singer-songwriter Ray Parker Jr., who crafted the Ghostbusters theme song, issued a statement to Billboard regarding his friendship with Davis. “I considered Clive a personal friend even outside of music as he spent hours teach me how to live life,” the Grammy-winning artist said. “He also, while sick these last few weeks, wrote me the nicest, heartfelt letter for my birthday on May 1. I love you, Clive, always! You blessed us all!”
In a statement shared with Billboard, Carlos Santana remembered the man he considers a “visionary” of the music industry. “He could hear the intangible before anyone else could see it. He believed in Santana from the beginning, and years later he believed in us again. That kind of faith is a beautiful blessing, and I will always be grateful,” he said in part, also noting how the mogul encouraged musicians to trust in their voices. “Clive understood that music is more than entertainment. Music is a healing force. It brings people together beyond fear, beyond separation, beyond borders. He dedicated his life to championing artists and helping them share their gifts with the world. … I thank Clive for his friendship, his trust, and his belief in Santana. We celebrate his extraordinary journey and the legacy of joy, inspiration, and possibility that he leaves behind.”
Rob Thomas, the vocalist on Santana’s nine-time Grammy-winning “Smooth” — which Davis masterminded as part of the Supernatural album — also shared a tribute on Instagram.
Jennifer Hudson, one of the artists most closely associated with Davis’ later career at J Records, wrote on X: “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! 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.”
The estate of Whitney Houston shared a photograph of Davis and Houston at her Arista Records contract signing in 1983 on Instagram, alongside the message “Rest in Peace, Clive Davis.”
Rod Stewart credited Davis with creating the career-defining chapter that became his Great American Songbook series. “I owe Clive so much,” Stewart wrote on Instagram. “The force behind J Records, he was the only one who believed a rock singer could sing the standards with conviction. Other labels rejected the idea, and so The Great American Songbook was born, selling close to 40 million copies. He was a giant of a man in the music business. We had some wonderful, unforgettable times together, but for now, Mr. Davis, it’s goodbye, my dear friend.”
Barry Manilow reflected on a partnership spanning more than five decades. “My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis,” Manilow wrote. “For fifty years we worked together, created together, argued together, and celebrated together. Yes, some would say it was business. But to Clive, it never was. It was family. And I was honored to be a part of his. Thank you Clive. I wish we could do it all again.”
Billy Joel credited Davis with convincing him to sign with Columbia Records. “He recognized the talent of great musicians and understood the power of contemporary music,” Joel wrote. “I will always be grateful to Clive for his recognition of the critical importance of songwriting. He undoubtedly enhanced the stature of the music industry during his tenure as president of Columbia Records.”
Neil Diamond called Davis “a titan.” “He was the first to sign me to the big leagues after being on independent labels, a move which catapulted my career,” Diamond said in a statement. “I will always be grateful to him for that and will miss his presence in the business.”
Michael Bublé wrote on Instagram: “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Clive Davis. Clive wasn’t just a music legend, he was a champion of artists and someone who believed in people and their dreams. Forever grateful for his guidance, his generosity, and the opportunities he gave so many of us.”
KISS co-founder Paul Stanley called Davis “a one of a kind genius” on X, writing: “The music world and all those who have loved music for six decades have lost the visionary and champion of so many artists in so many genres.”
Veteran producer Narada Michael Walden, who helmed hits for Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston under Davis’ watch, wrote: “Clive Davis believed in great songs, great artists, and great records. Through Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and so many others, our paths crossed in music history. Thank you, Clive, for believing in excellence and helping bring so much joy to the world through music. Rest in peace.”
Gavin DeGraw wrote on X: “Your impact on the world of art and music is immeasurable.”
Def Jam cofounder Russell Simmons paid homage to Davis on Instagram. “Farewell old friend you inspired many,” Simmons captioned his post with a heart emoji.
Jermaine Dupri and Diplo added their condolences to the post announcing Davis’ passing on Instagram. “Rip Boss,” Diplo wrote, while Dupri commented a series of praying hands emojis.
Singer-songwriter Patti Smith offered a heartfelt Instagram post eulogizing Davis and showed how grateful she was for the mogul being an early believer in her talents. “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,” Smith wrote.
Grammy-winning singer and pianist Harry Connick Jr. added a tribute on IG. “So saddened to hear about the death of clive davis… he was a giant in the music industry – and such a nice man… rest in peace, @clivejdavis,” he wrote.
Songwriter Diane Warren penned a poignant tribute to Davis, comparing the music giant’s death to the feeling of losing her father.
“Dear Clive, losing You today feels like losing my father. Because you were always family to me. It was ny Dad who believed in me in the very beginning, it was you who never stopped believing in me. By having so many of your artists record my songs, even the ones who didn’t want to. And there were a few of those. I loved to play You songs and watch the look on your face when a song moved You. You really loved songs. And truly appreciated songwriters,” she wrote. “You didnt look at fucking numbers and data, the only data that mattered to You was how it made you feel. Countless artists and songwriters owe everything to You. I am one of them. Without You I would never have the career I have. I know that. I will always cherish our friendship. No one will ever come close to what You have achieved. No one. Ever. Rest easy my dear friend, im sure there will be great voices to discover waiting for You in Heaven. I love You and I’m everything I an because you loved me. Thank You for that.”
Esteemed production duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff were mentored by Davis, and the Philadelphia Soul founders paid tribute to the late music mogul in a statement to Billboard.
“Gamble and Huff very sadly mourn the loss of their very longtime and dear friend Clive Davis. Clive was responsible for giving us our official start in the music business with the launch of our record label Philadelphia International Records through CBS Records,” Gamble and Huff stated. “Clive Davis’ appreciation and love for Soul and Rhythm and Blues gave birth and the platform for the Sound of Philadelphia to be heard all over the world.”
They continued: “We will be forever be grateful for what Clive Davis has done for our music career and the impact he had on the music business in the history of music in general around the world. We will greatly miss our friend and mentor and send our deepest condolences to his family and our music family and colleagues worldwide!”
Dionne Warwick was one of Arista’s superstars under Davis’ reign, and the pair remained close in the decades since.
“Clive Davis, what is there to say? My dear friend lived a more than promised allotted time and made each moment count. I am truly going to miss him,” she said in a statement. “He always wanted to know ‘where’s my Dionne?’ I referred to him as the brown shoe, white sock record executive. I can think of no other record man that seemed to have that magical ability to know a hit when he heard a song. The entire music industry I’m sure will mourn his passing. He was one of a kind.”
Kenny Loggins made a career out of penning memorable movie themes and soundtrack hits, and Loggins believes he owes it all to Clive Davis.
“I owe my career to Clive Davis. He believed in me when others would only ‘wait and see.’ He had the ability to use his ‘gut’ instead of just looking at the numbers,” Loggins relayed in a statement. “The last of his kind in this business, he will be missed.”
Melissa Manchester joined Davis’ Arista Records when Arista absorbed Bell Records in the mid-’70s. Although Manchester and Davis didn’t see eye to eye at times on the direction of her career, she appreciated Davis’ belief in her artistry and the two remained friends until his passing on Monday.
“Clive Davis has died at age 94. Clive was the head of Arista Records for many years. Arista had absorbed Bell Records, where Barry Manilow, Tony Orlando & Dawn and I had been signed, so we three became the foundation upon which Clive built his new company. I struggled with Clive’s vision for my career sometimes,” Manchester said in a statement. “He struggled to understand me sometimes. I’d had great success and withering disappointments with him but, in the end, I was grateful that he believed in my talent in an unwavering way for so long. Here is the last photo we recently took together. He said, “Call me whenever you’re performing in town. I’ll come.” I swear I was just about to call him. Rest easy now, Clive, and thank you!”
Davis is survived by his four children — sons Fred, Doug and Mitchell, and daughter Lauren — as well as his eight grandchildren (Austin, Charlie, Matthew, Hayley, Harper, Sloane, Billie and Cody), two great-grandchildren, cousin Jo Schuman and partner Greg Schriefer.
