Clive Davis, music mogul behind Whitney Houston and Bruce Springsteen, dies aged 94
Clive Davis, one of the most influential music executives in history, has died at 94. He signed and shaped the careers of countless stars, including Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, and Santana.
Clive Davis, the legendary music executive who discovered and mentored some of the biggest names in rock and pop, has died at the age of 94. His family said he had recently been hospitalized with respiratory problems and was recovering at home in Manhattan when he passed away.
A former head of Columbia and Arista Records, Davis signed and developed artists such as Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Santana, Janis Joplin, Christina Aguilera, and Alicia Keys. He was known for his sharp instincts and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Davis graduated from Harvard Law School and joined Columbia Records at 28 with no music industry background. He took night classes to learn copyright law and contracts, which later helped him defeat a federal antitrust suit and persuade Bob Dylan to stay with the label.
Promoted to president in 1965, Davis revitalized Columbia by signing acts like Santana, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, and Springsteen. Despite his success, he was ousted in the 1970s after the company accused him of using funds for personal expenses, including his son's bar mitzvah. Davis pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion but was cleared of others.
Within months, he founded Arista Records, achieving immediate success with Barry Manilow and critical acclaim with Patti Smith's debut album "Horses." In 1983, he signed a 19-year-old Whitney Houston and spent years finding the right producers. Her self-titled debut sold over 25 million copies. Davis also insisted on the iconic a cappella opening for "I Will Always Love You," making it her biggest hit.
Later, he revived Carlos Santana's career with the 1999 album "Supernatural," persuading him to record duets with contemporary vocalists. The album sold over 15 million copies and won a Grammy for Album of the Year. Davis earned five Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He often said the key to his success was trusting in music's enduring importance.
