In a statement, the Davis family said he had “championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations”.

The record executive was instrumental in shepherding the successful careers of a number of monumental music stars, including Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin,…

He signed Janis Joplin to kickstart his career, made Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston household names and carried Carlos Santana and Aretha Franklin to newfound fame.