Clive Davis 1932-2026
The influential record executive whose ear for talent helped launch and revive the careers of some of music’s biggest stars, died on June 22, 2026, at his home in Manhattan. He was 94. His family confirmed the death following a recent hospitalization for respiratory problems.
Clive Davis 1932-2026
Born Clive Jay Davis on April 4, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, he studied at New York University and Harvard Law School before joining Columbia Records in the early 1960s. He rose quickly through the ranks, becoming president of the label in 1967.
In his early years at Columbia, Davis played a key role in steering the company into the rock era. He signed Janis Joplin after her standout performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and brought in Santana, whose groundbreaking fusion sound helped define the late 1960s. He also helped advance the careers of artists including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and others, expanding Columbia’s reach far beyond its traditional pop and jazz roots.
After leaving Columbia, Davis founded Arista Records in 1974. This marked one of the most successful chapters of his career. He discovered Whitney Houston performing in a New York nightclub and signed her in 1983; her self-titled debut and follow-up albums made her one of the best-selling artists of all time. Davis also orchestrated a major comeback for Aretha Franklin in the 1980s and delivered consistent commercial success with Barry Manilow and a wide range of pop and R&B acts. Arista became known for polished, hit-driven music that dominated radio and sales charts for decades.
In 2000, Davis founded J Records, where he continued his winning streak by signing Alicia Keys, whose soulful debut Songs in A Minor became a defining release of the early 2000s. He was also instrumental in Carlos Santana’s spectacular late-career revival with the multi-Grammy-winning album Supernatural (1999). Even in his later decades as chief creative officer at Sony Music Entertainment, Davis remained a respected tastemaker, famous for his star-filled pre-Grammy parties and his ability to spot and nurture talent across generations and genres.
Over more than six decades in the industry, Davis guided dozens of iconic artists and left an indelible mark on popular music. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 as a non-performing contributor and received multiple Grammy honors for his work.
Davis is remembered as a true hitmaker and mentor whose instincts helped shape the soundtrack of several eras.
David died on June 22, 2026, at his home in Manhattan. He was 94. His family confirmed the death following a recent hospitalization for respiratory problems. RIP.
Watch a 2017 Q&A Session with Clive Davis
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