Clive Davis: The Music Industry’s Legendary Starmaker Passes Away at 94

Clive Davis, a towering figure in the music industry known for his influential role as a starmaker, has passed away at the age of 94. He was among the few music executives who achieved household-name status, leaving an indelible mark over more than five decades.

Starting his career from a midlevel legal position at Columbia Records, Davis rose to become one of the industry’s most commanding forces. He assisted in shaping the careers of notable artists like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Barry Manilow, among many others. Davis’s family confirmed that he died on Monday at his home in Manhattan following hospitalization due to respiratory issues.

In the late 1960s, Davis pushed Columbia Records into the rock era, signing acts such as Janis Joplin and Blood, Sweat & Tears. He also encouraged jazz legend Miles Davis to connect with the burgeoning Woodstock generation. His career later flourished at Arista and J Records, where he championed R&B-inflected pop artists like Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson.

Davis recognized the commercial power of hip-hop and orchestrated successful comebacks for Carlos Santana and Rod Stewart, with their albums reaching multi-million sales. In 2021, at the age of 89, he was enlisted by Mayor Bill de Blasio to organize a “homecoming” concert in Central Park, celebrating New York City’s reopening from pandemic restrictions. This event, featuring anticipated performances by artists like Bruce Springsteen and Paul Simon, was cut short by a lightning storm.

For those who knew him from media appearances, Davis was often seen in a brightly accessorized suit, his speech carrying hints of European sophistication. Yet, those who knew of his background could detect his Brooklyn roots when he affectionately mentioned “Arether.”

Within the music world, Clive Davis was known for his unyielding pursuit of hits. He represented a symbol of stability, maintaining a long career despite various challenges and shifts in corporate leadership. His last role was chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment.