Tributes have been pouring in for one of music’s most powerful icons who passed away at his Manhattan home in California. He was 94.
From Reverend Al Sharpton, musician Lenny Kravitz to Alicia Keys, many have shared their memories of the music mogul responsible for launching the careers of several award winning artists.
Alicia Keys posted a photo of the two of them together calling him “a visionary who transformed dreams into reality.”
Jennifer Hudson wrote “I needed a moment…This was a huge blow to wake up to. I know Nobody lives forever, but Clive’s impact and legacy will always live on! Yes, he was the legendary music mogul, but he was family to me. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. You will be missed, Clive ! We will always celebrate your life and legacy.”
Ray Parker Jr., whose1984 theme song to the film “Ghostbusters,” was recorded on Davis’ Arista Records wrote: “I considered Clive a personal friend even outside of music as he spent hours teach me how to live life! He also, while sick these last few weeks, wrote me the nicest, heartfelt letter for my birthday on May 1st. I love you Clive, always! You blessed us all!!!”
Davis began his career at Columbia Records where he was appointed president in 1967 and signed such legendary rock artists as Janis Joplin, Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
In 1974 he co-founded Arista Records where he signed Barry Manilow, Patti Smith and Whitney Houston and further developed the careers of the Kinks, the Grateful Dead, Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin.
His business ventures include forming LaFace Records in 1989 with Babyface and L.A. Reid, and creating Bad Boy Records in 1994 with Sean “Diddy” Combs. In 2000 J Records was born (in partnership with BMG) and emerged as a dominant force, producing the works of Alicia Keys and Maroon 5. Davis was then appointed chairman/CEO of BMG U.S. Label Group where he oversaw an expanded RCA Music Group, including J Records, RCA Records and Arista Records. After BMG and Sony Music merged, in 2008 Davis was appointed chief creative officer, Sony Music Worldwide, where he continues to nurture and develop talent.
In 2000 Davis received the Trustees Award from The Recording Academy and was recognized with the President’s Merit Award at the 2009 Grammy Salute To Industry Icons.
As a humanitarian, Davis made tireless efforts in the battle against AIDS, spearheading donations of millions of dollars for AIDS research. In 2002 the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music was created at his undergraduate alma mater, New York University. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School. His autobiography, “The Soundtrack Of My Life,” published in 2013, has become the largest-selling book involving music in history.
He had recently been hospitalized with respiratory problems and had also been diagnosed with neurological condition Bell’s palsy in 2021.
By Samantha Ofole-Prince / Photo by Royalty Images