The music world is mourning the death of legendary record executive Clive Davis, whose influence helped shape the careers of countless artists and opened doors for many Black music executives in the industry. Davis, 94, died on Monday from age-related complications at his New York home leaving behind a legacy that transformed popular music across generations.
The music world is mourning the loss of legendary record executive Clive Davis, whose death at the age of 94 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from artists whose careers he helped shape over more than six decades.
Davis, the former head of Columbia Records and founder of Arista Records and J Records, died on Monday in Manhattan, New York, following an age-related illness. He was surrounded by family and loved ones at the time of his death.
Throughout a remarkable career, Davis became one of the most influential figures in modern music, discovering, mentoring and guiding some of the industry's biggest names, including Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Patti Smith, Luther Vandross, Usher, Jennifer Hudson and Maroon 5.
Among the first artists to publicly react to the news was Jennifer Hudson, who described Davis as both a mentor and family figure.
