Clive Davis, legendary music executive who shaped generations of popular music, has died at age 94.
Clive Davis, the visionary music executive who led Columbia Records, founded Arista and J Records, and shaped the careers of everyone from Janis Joplin to Whitney Houston and Bruce Springsteen, died Monday at his home in Manhattan. He was 94. A representative confirmed the cause was complications from an upper respiratory infection.
Career Overview
Davis's career in the music industry spanned more than six decades. He began as a lawyer for Columbia Records in the 1960s, becoming president in 1967. He was dismissed from Columbia in 1973 amid allegations of fund mismanagement. Later that year, he pleaded guilty to a tax evasion charge and paid a fine.
He founded Arista Records in 1974 and launched J Records in 2000. He was named the chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment in 2008 and held that position until his death. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
Career Highlights
- Signed Janis Joplin's band Big Brother & the Holding Company in 1968.
- Signed Bruce Springsteen in 1972 and advised him on stage presence.
- Signed Whitney Houston, then a teenager, to Arista Records. Houston's debut album (1985) became a best-selling debut by a female artist at that time.
- Conceived the 1999 album Supernatural for Carlos Santana, which won multiple Grammy Awards.
- Helped revitalize the careers of artists including Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, and Dionne Warwick.
- Signed artists including Aerosmith, Billy Joel, Simon & Garfunkel, Barry Manilow, Earth, Wind & Fire, Pink Floyd, Neil Diamond, Alicia Keys, and Kenny G.
- Partnered with LaFace Records and Bad Boy Records, contributing to the success of acts like TLC and The Notorious B.I.G.
- Directed the careers of American Idol winners Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and Carrie Underwood.
Personal Life
Clive Davis was born on April 4, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1956. He was married twice; both marriages ended in divorce. He confirmed in his memoir that he was bisexual. His partner is Greg Schriefer.
He is survived by four children (Fred, Doug, Mitchell, and Lauren), eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a cousin, and his partner, Greg Schriefer.
Funeral Service
A funeral service was held at Central Synagogue in Manhattan. Attendees included Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, and Stevie Wonder. The service was livestreamed and lasted under 90 minutes. It included performances by Jennifer Hudson and Kenny G, and remarks from family and colleagues.