NEW YORK — Clive Davis, the influential music executive who rose from a legal role at Columbia Records to become one of the recording industry’s most powerful figures, signing and guiding stars including Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Barry Manilow, died on Monday at his home in Manhattan. He was 94.
His family confirmed the death. Davis had recently been hospitalized with respiratory problems before passing peacefully from age-related illness, surrounded by family and loved ones, his publicist Aliza Rabinoff said.
Davis began his career in the 1960s as a lawyer at Columbia Records and quickly advanced, becoming president of the label in 1967. He was fired in 1973 amid a financial scandal involving expense-account irregularities, for which he was later fined. He then founded Arista Records, where he achieved some of his greatest successes, and later established J Records. He served as chief creative officer at Sony Music Entertainment from 2008 until his death.
Known for his ability to spot talent and revive careers, Davis played a key role in launching or advancing the careers of artists across genres. He signed Houston after seeing her perform and helped shape her rise to global superstardom. Other notable associations included Janis Joplin, Santana, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel.
Davis received multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 as a non-performer. He was known for hosting annual pre-Grammy parties that became a major event in the music industry.
In a statement, his family described him as a titan who shaped modern music. Tributes poured in from artists he worked with, including Jennifer Hudson, who called him family, and others highlighting his ear for hits and support for talent.
Davis was born on April 4, 1932, in Brooklyn. He attended New York University and Harvard Law School before entering the music business. He is survived by children and other family members, according to reports.
Details of funeral arrangements were not immediately available. The music industry continued to reflect on his decades-long impact following the announcement.
