Clive Davis, the influential record executive who discovered and guided the careers of Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow and many others, died on Monday at his home in Manhattan. He was 94.
His family confirmed the death. Davis had been hospitalized in late May with an upper respiratory infection but was discharged earlier this month and was recovering at home.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Davis rose from a mid-level lawyer at Columbia Records to president of the label, where he signed Janis Joplin and helped steer the company into the rock era. He founded Arista Records in 1974 and later launched J Records, becoming one of the most powerful figures in the music business. He was known for his ear for hits and for revitalizing the careers of artists including Carlos Santana and Rod Stewart.
Davis hosted the annual Pre-Grammy Gala for decades, turning it into one of the most exclusive events in the industry. He received five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His final role was chief creative officer at Sony Music Entertainment.
Comments