Clive Davis, a legendary music executive who passed away at age 94, was renowned for building deep connections with artists. He fostered mutual respect, which allowed him and the musicians he represented to influence each other’s careers.
Here’s a closer look at Davis’s collaborations with some diverse and remarkable acts over his six-decade career in the music industry.
Janis Joplin
Clive Davis played a vital role in Janis Joplin’s career, and in the process, she greatly influenced his path. At age 35, Davis became president of Columbia Records. During the Monterey Pop festival in California, he discovered Joplin while she performed with Big Brother & The Holding Company. Faced with his first significant decision as head of the label, Davis chose to sign her based on instinct.
He convinced Joplin to release an edited version of “Piece of My Heart,” ensuring radio exposure. Additionally, Davis encouraged her to pursue a solo career. After Joplin’s death in 1970, Davis found her recording of “Me and Bobby McGee” among her album sessions for “Pearl,” leading to its posthumous release and acclaim.
Carlos Santana
Davis signed Santana to Columbia Records in 1968. Santana gained fame with hits like “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” and a memorable Woodstock performance in 1969. Years later, Davis reconnected with Santana who sought renewed relevance.
He proposed an album featuring Santana’s material alongside collaborations with contemporary artists. The outcome was “Supernatural” in 1999, with tracks like “Do You Like the Way” with Lauryn Hill, and hits “Maria Maria” with Wyclef Jean and “Smooth” with Rob Thomas. The album won eight Grammys, matching the record set by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Santana acknowledged Davis’s belief in his talent from the start.
Bruce Springsteen
In 1972, Davis signed Bruce Springsteen to Columbia Records at age 22. Davis saw more in Springsteen than a Bob Dylan imitator, recognizing his potential as a “poet warrior.” After reviewing Springsteen’s debut album, Davis advised him to compose new singles. Influenced by this, Springsteen wrote “Blinded by the Light” and “Spirit in the Night.”
Springsteen credited Davis with changing his life by signing him to Columbia Records. Davis offered guidance on live performances, advising Springsteen to use the stage actively.
Whitney Houston
Davis’s association with Whitney Houston was profound. He discovered her at Sweetwater’s club in New York, performing with her mother, Cissy Houston. Stunned by her rendition of “The Greatest Love of All,” Davis signed her to Arista in 1983.
Houston’s debut album took two years to find suitable songs and producers, leading to major success. Davis played an integral role with Houston, including shaping the “The Bodyguard” soundtrack. Their close relationship included a “key man” clause allowing Houston to leave her contract if Davis ever departed from Arista.
The Grateful Dead
Davis aimed to sign the Grateful Dead or Jerry Garcia since the late 1960s at Columbia Records, but the band was under Warner Bros. Instead, Davis signed New Riders of the Purple Sage, featuring Garcia. In the late 1970s, Davis signed the Dead to his new Arista Records.
Davis adopted a patient strategy with the band’s studio work. Ultimately, the Dead delivered their biggest hit in 1987 with “Touch of Grey.” Band members showed trust in Davis, with Bob Weir occasionally modifying lyrics in homage to him.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys joined Columbia Records at age 15 in 1996, facing creative differences with the label. Davis, leaving Arista, assisted in ending her Columbia contract and ultimately signed her to J Records in 2000.
Recognizing her talent, Davis supported her autonomy over her music. Keys’ debut album, “Songs in A Minor,” achieved success and won five Grammys. Davis advocated for her unique sound and worked with Oprah Winfrey to help “Fallin’” gain prominence.
Kenny G
Soft jazz saxophonist Kenny G found success in the early 1980s despite the instrumental music scene’s lack of popularity. Davis signed him to Arista in 1982. Kenny G credited Davis for letting him steer his music direction while participating in pairings with singers like Michael Bolton.
Kenny G acknowledged Davis’s influence, highlighting Davis’s willingness to take risks on him.
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