Following the music legend's passing at age 94, record label executive are sharing their reactions and condolences.
Clive Davis speaks during the 67th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Jody Gerson on Feb. 1, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Following the death of Clive Davis on Monday (June 22) at the age of 94, professionals across the music industry are remembering the legendary executive, who launched the careers of such stars as Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow and Alicia Keys.
Davis’ music business career is the stuff of legend and undoubtedly inspired multiple generations of music industry executives. Known as “The Man With the Golden Ears,” he launched his career as assistant counsel at Columbia Records and was eventually named president of Columbia’s parent company, CBS Records. He later founded his own label, Arista, in 1974, where he went on to sign Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Patti Smith and more. That was followed by J Records in 2000, which launched future stars Alicia Keys and Maroon 5. He was later named chief creative officer at Sony Music Entertainment, a role he held until his death.
