Legendary Record Executive Clive Davis Dies At 94
Clive Davis, the Grammy-winning record producer who transformed Columbia, Arista and J Records into music industry powerhouses, died Monday at his Manhattan home. No cause of death was announced, though he recently faced respiratory issues.
Davis launched the careers of icons including Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin and Carlos Santana during his five-decade career. Despite being fired from Columbia in 1973 for misusing funds, Davis rebounded at Arista and later founded J Records, where he launched Alicia Keys. Joel posted a tribute on social media:
He was also known for his lavish Grammy Week parties, though was criticized for not canceling his party the night Whitney Houston died Feb. 11, 2012. About that, Davis said “I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years. Whitney was so full of life. She was so looking forward to tonight even though she wasn’t scheduled to perform. Whitney was a beautiful person and a talent beyond compare. She graced this stage with her regal presence and gave so many memorable performances here over the years. Simply put, Whitney would have wanted the music to go on and her family asked that we carry on.”
Clive Davis was 94.