Legendary music executive Clive Davis died from age-related illness at 94 on Monday (June 22). Davis was a hit-making titan and known for shaping the careers of superstars such as Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow and Maroon 5.
Davis served as the president of Columbia Records from 1967 to 1973 and then founded Arista Records, which saw him sign Aretha Franklin, Patti Smith and Dionne Warwick. He later founded J Records in 2000 where Alicia Keys and Maroon 5 called home.
Throughout his six decades of brilliance in the music industry, Davis served as a mentor to acts such as Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, Aerosmith, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Usher, Rod Stewart, Jennifer Hudson and Luther Vandross.
Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party has also been a star-studded staple of the awards weekend throughout the years.
“To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives,” Davis’ family said in a statement on social media announcing his death. “He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.
“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.
“Through every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive’s greatest pride and deepest joy. Today, we celebrate not only a towering figure whose influence changed music forever, but the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness. We will miss him greatly, cherish him always, and carry his love with us for the rest of our lives.”
There’s been an outpouring of support since the news of Davis’ passing was announced by his family early Monday.
Among those to pay tribute to Davis was Springsteen. “Over here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend, Clive Davis. At 22 years old, he changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records,” Springsteen wrote on his website and Instagram. “He treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success. A great man. All our prayers and love.”
Singer-songwriter Ray Parker Jr., who crafted the Ghostbusters theme song, issued a statement to Billboard regarding his friendship with Davis. “I considered Clive a personal friend even outside of music as he spent hours teach me how to live life,” the Grammy-winning artist said. “He also, while sick these last few weeks, wrote me the nicest, heartfelt letter for my birthday on May 1. I love you, Clive, always! You blessed us all!”
Def Jam cofounder Russell Simmons paid homage to Davis on Instagram. “Farewell old friend you inspired many,” Simmons captioned his post with a heart emoji.
Jermaine Dupri and Diplo added their condolences to the post announcing Davis’ passing on Instagram. “Rip Boss,” Diplo wrote, while Dupri commented a series of praying hands emojis.
Singer-songwriter Patti Smith offered a heartfelt Instagram post eulogizing Davis and showed how grateful she was for the mogul being an early believer in her talents. “This is thanking Clive Davis for transforming music, and on a very personal note, for believing in me, shepherding my efforts and a half century of your love and support,” Smith wrote.
Grammy-winning singer and pianist Harry Connick Jr. added a tribute on IG. “So saddened to hear about the death of clive davis… he was a giant in the music industry – and such a nice man… rest in peace, @clivejdavis,” he wrote.
Davis is survived by his four children — sons Fred, Doug and Mitchell, and daughter Lauren — as well as his eight grandchildren (Austin, Charlie, Matthew, Hayley, Harper, Sloane, Billie and Cody), two great-grandchildren, cousin Jo Schuman and partner Greg Schriefer.
