Clive Davis, the visionary record executive whose golden ear helped shape the sound of popular music for more than six decades, died Monday at his home in New York City. He was 94. His death was confirmed by his longtime representative, who said Davis passed away peacefully from age-related illness, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
The Brooklyn-born Davis rose from the legal department at Columbia Records to become one of the most powerful figures in the music industry, eventually serving as president of Columbia before founding Arista Records in 1974. It was at Arista where Davis built his most enduring legacy, signing and developing artists whose careers would define entire generations. Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow, Dionne Warwick, Patti Smith and Carlos Santana all flourished under his guidance.
But perhaps no relationship better defined Davis than his partnership with Whitney Houston. He signed the then-19-year-old gospel prodigy in 1983, and her debut album alone spawned three number one singles. Franklin once called Davis “the greatest record man of all time” — a title the industry never disputed.
Davis had been hospitalized in late May following an upper respiratory issue but was released and reported to be recovering at home before his passing.
Later in his career, Davis continued to prove his instincts were unmatched, shepherding the rise of Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood while famously co-founding Bad Boy Records with Sean Combs. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and won five Grammy Awards over the course of his career. His annual pre-Grammy party became a celebrated institution in its own right, often stealing the spotlight from the ceremony itself.
Clive Davis leaves behind four children: Fred, Lauren, Mitch and Doug. He was 94.
