Clive Davis dies at 94

Clive Davis, the influential music executive whose ear for hits helped shape the careers of Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin and many others, died Monday. He was 94.

Family members told NBC News that Davis had died, while CBS News reported that his publicist said he died peacefully at his home in Manhattan of an age-related illness, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Over a long career that reached across R&B, jazz, rock, country, hip-hop and pop, Davis became one of the most powerful figures in modern music. He served as president of Columbia Records and founded Arista Records, building a reputation as an executive who could identify artists and songs that would resonate far beyond the industry.

Davis was not a musician by training. He began as a lawyer and said his entry into the record business came unexpectedly.

“I was plucked out of a law firm to become chief lawyer for Columbia Records three years out of law school. I did that for five years,” Davis told “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King in 2022.

He soon rose to lead Columbia Records, despite having no formal music background. Davis said he had not expected to develop what others would call a “musical ear,” but he became widely associated with some of the biggest names in the business. Among the artists linked to his career were Houston, Neil Diamond, Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Kelly Clarkson, Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow, Patti Smith, Billy Joel and Earth, Wind & Fire.

“I do know when I hear a hit song,” Davis told CBS News. He recalled hearing Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and saying, “That has gotta be the first single.” He called the song “so classic” and described it as his favorite.

His influence was reflected not only in the artists he signed or supported, but also in the recognition that followed. NBC News reported that Davis won four Grammy Awards: in 2000 for best rock album and album of the year for Santana’s “Supernatural,” in 2006 for best pop vocal album for Clarkson’s “Breakaway,” and in 2009 for best R&B album for Jennifer Hudson’s self-titled work. CBS News described him as a five-time Grammy winner.

Davis also became a fixture of the music world’s social calendar through his annual pre-Grammy party, a gathering that drew top performers, executives and celebrities. His most recent event, held Jan. 31 at the Beverly Hilton, included appearances or performances by Jelly Roll, Art Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, Berry Gordy, Brandi Carlile, Pharrell Williams, Diplo, Dave Grohl, Gladys Knight, Lana Del Rey, Shaboozey, Jack Antonoff and Hudson.

The event also featured a video message from former President Barack Obama, who told attendees that “Clive’s talent has always been seeing and hearing what other people don’t.”

Artists and collaborators often described Davis as unusually attentive to performers. David Foster told CBS News that Davis’ success rested on mutual respect.

“He’s completely artist-friendly and the artist always comes first,” Foster said.

Manilow said Davis was an inspiration to him and to everyone in the music business.