Clive Davis, a legendary music executive who helped launch the careers of Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and other stars, has died. He was 94.
In a statement to ABC News, family members said Davis passed away on Monday, June 22, in Manhattan from an “age-related illness.”
“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,” the statement read.
The music mogul’s family noted his many accomplishments.
“To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives. He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations,” the statement continued.
Born Clive Jay Davis in New York City on April 4, 1932, he was raised in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood.
Davis graduated from New York University and later Harvard Law School, after receiving scholarships to both schools.
He began his journey in the music industry as an assistant counsel for Columbia Records and eventually became head of the label. He went on to found Arista Records, but in 2000 parent company BMG Entertainment replaced him with Antonio “L.A.” Reid.
After leaving Arista, Davis launched J Records, where the talent roster included Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Luther Vandross, Angie Stone, Jazmine Sullivan, Maroon 5, and other chart-topping performers.
In the early 1990s, Davis entered into a joint venture with Sean “Diddy” Combs, and provided financial backing for Combs to launch Bad Boy Records.
The label became one of the most successful in the history of hip-hop and R&B, and introduced audiences to Craig Mack, The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Mase, 112, the Lox, Shyne, and Cassie Ventura.
Decades later, Bad Boy would become embroiled in controversy as Combs faced numerous civil lawsuits.
Davis was known for his star-studded pre-Grammy Awards parties in Los Angeles where the guest list featured the biggest names in music.
In 2012, he faced criticism for continuing with his famous party just hours after Houston died in a hotel room at the same venue. According to E! News, “her body remained on the premises throughout the event.”
During a 2013 interview with broadcasting legend Larry King, Davis explained why he decided not to halt the party. “You don’t cancel. You turn an evening into a tribute,” he said.
In 2013, the music industry icon released his memoir The Soundtrack of My Life and recalled his decades-long career.
The book noted his work with “some of the greatest musical artists of our time,” including Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Simon & Garfunkel, Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and Alicia Keys. The music mogul also came out publicly as bisexual in the book.
Davis won four competitive Grammys throughout his career, according to Grammy.com.
Following the news of his death, Manilow released a statement on social media saying the two were like family.
“My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis. For fifty years we worked together, created together, argued together, and celebrated together,” Manilow wrote. “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.”
Davis is survived by his children Fred, Doug, Mitchell and Lauren, along with eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren and other extended family.
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