The funeral of legendary music executive Clive Davis — who died last Monday at the age of 94 after a six-decade career — was every bit as dignified, flawlessly executed and deeply emotional as one of the events he staged or hits he oversaw, with moving speeches from Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, Dionne Warwick, his sons Fred and Doug, and a stunning performance by Jennifer Hudson. Spotted among the attendees were Stevie Wonder, Gayle King and multiple top industry executives.
Uncharacteristically, for any who attended any of those events, it was a compact program that lasted just under 90 minutes.
The service, which was livestreamed from the Central Synagogue in Midtown Manhattan, began with a solo performance by Kenny G. A brief introduction from Senior Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl followed, who began by saying “Clive would have loved this, he would have been touched that he filled the house, and by the many stars who are here.” She then spoke of the importance of music for human lives and to religion: “In the Torah, when God parts the Red Sea and the Israelites cross over intro freedom, what does Moses do on the other side? He does not give a speech, he does not even pray: He sings.”
