NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Clive Davis attends the "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" Red Carpet during the 63rd New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on September 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for FLC)Getty Images for FLCClive Davis, the iconic music industry producer who discovered singer Whitney Houston and help launch several other musicians’ careers including Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin and Alicia Keys, has died.David died in New York on Monday morning, TMZ reported. He was 94. No cause of death was given, but TMZ reported that Davis was hospitalized earlier this month with a respiratory infection, but was released on June 4.ForbesJames Burrows, ‘Cheers’ Co-Creator And ‘Friends’ Director, Dies At 85By Tim LammersDavis was enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. In addition to signing Houston at age 19, Davis fostered the careers of such major artists as Rod Stewart, Christina Aguilera, The Kinks, Carlos Santana, Barry Manilow and Aretha Franklin.Born Clive Jay Davis on April 4, 1932 in New York City, Davis lost both of his parents while he was still a teenager. After moving in with his sister in Queens, Davis attended New York University College of Arts & Science, where earned a degree in political science. From there, Davis attended Harvard Law School, where he earned his law degree and went on to work for the legal department at CBS, the network noted in a 2012 feature.MORE FOR YOUForbesTay Keith, Grammy Nominee Who Produced Travis Scott And Drake, Dies At 29By Tim LammersFrom there, Davis worked at CBS/Columbia Records, where he signed such legendary bands as Earth, Wind and Fire, Boston and Aerosmith. While Davis was at the helm of Columbia, other talent signed to the label included such music giants as Chicago, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel and Pink Floyd.After losing his job at the label, Davis founded Arista Records in 1974, where he signed several major artists including Franklin, Manilow, Dionne Warwick, Patti Smith, Eric Carmen and Kenny G. American singer and actress Whitney Houston receives a plaque commemorating platinum sales of her album 'I'm your Baby Tonight" from American music executive and producer Clive Davis on December 10, 1990 in New York City, New York.Getty ImagesDavis’ crowning achievement at Arista, though, came with the siging of Houston to the label on April 10, 1983. "Whitney Houston’s debut album sold 20.5 million copies worldwide," Davis proudly told CBS in 2012.ForbesDaveigh Chase, ‘The Ring’ And ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Star, Dies At 35By Tim LammersDavis reflected on his good fortunes in 2022, telling USA Today, ""I found, by accident, a role for music in my life that became a natural part of me and I realized I had a natural gift for discovering artists. Everybody faces challenges, but the importance of the work ethic, of keeping the bar up there for the standard of excellence – I feel that was very much a part of my life."Record Producer/A&R Executive/Record Executive/Lawyer Clive Davis seen during an interview in a bungalow at The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA 1976. (Photo by Mark Sullivan/Getty Images)Mark SullivanHow Clive Davis Was Instrumental In Bruce Springsteen’s CareerClive Davis was part of Bruce Springsteen’s recording career since the beginning of rock legend’s career and gave him some pivotal advice from the get-go.“Bruce and I talked about him bringing that first album (Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.) to me and I told him, ‘Bruce, I love the album, but we need two radio-friendly songs.’ I needed the ammunition to bring him to the attention of radio," the record executive told USA Today in 2022. "Rather than being put off by that – which is a risky thing to suggest to a first-time artist – he said, 'I went to the beach and Clive, all these years later, let me tell you, I never would have written ‘Blinded by the Light’ or ‘Spirit in the Night’ without your encouragement.'”NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 19: Aretha Franklin, Clive Davis and Barry Manilow pose for a portrait backstage at the "Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives" Premiere during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival at Radio City Music Hall on April 19, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)gettyDavis always had a high public profile, as he was known for, among many other events, holding an annual party the night before the Grammy Awards. Davis also attended the red carpet premiere of The Boss’ biopic Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere in September 2025.The film stars Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen during the recording of his famed Nebraska album in 1982. Davis is played in the film by Paul Chepikian in an uncredited role.“When you sign an artist, you feel he is unique, you never know — and I’m telling you the real truth — you never know how far their career will go,” Davis told ABC’s Good Morning America on the red carpet of the Spingsteen biopic. “To see the worldwide impact that Bruce has had on people, their lives, their thoughts, it’s very touching.”Davis is survived by three sons and a daughter.ForbesTom Dreesen, Comedian And Opening Act For Frank Sinatra, Dies At 86By Tim Lammers