Clive Davis, music industry starmaker, has died at 94
Key Points:
- Clive Davis, a legendary music executive known for launching and revitalizing the careers of artists like Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, and Alicia Keys, has died at age 94 in his Manhattan apartment.
- Davis rose from a lawyer at Columbia Records to become its president, later founding Arista Records and J Records, where he signed and supported a diverse range of influential artists across multiple genres.
- He was recognized for his ability to discover new talent and sustain veteran artists' careers, contributing to iconic projects such as Whitney Houston’s hits and Santana’s Grammy-winning album "Supernatural."
- Despite facing professional setbacks including a firing from Columbia and legal issues, Davis maintained a powerful presence in the music industry, serving as worldwide chief creative officer at Sony Music until his death.
- Davis was openly bisexual and is survived by four children, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and his partner; his family praised him as a loving figure whose impact on music and culture will endure.