Legendary Music Producer Clive Davis Dies At 94

LOS ANGELES, CA — Grammy-winning record producer and music executive Clive Davis, who helped propel dozens of artists to stardom, including Whitney Houston, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Barry Manilow, died Monday at age 94.

"To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives," his family posted on social media announcing his death. "He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.

"To his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the center of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love. No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved. Through every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive's greatest pride and deepest joy. Today, we celebrate not only a towering figure whose influence changed music forever, but the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness. We will miss him greatly, cherish him always, and carry his love with us for the rest of our lives."

The New York Times reported that Davis died at his home in Manhattan. A cause of death was not released, but he was recently hospitalized with a respiratory infection.

A Brooklyn native, Davis most recently served as chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment. He previously served as president of Columbia Records from 1967-1973 before founding and serving as president of Arista Records from 1974-2000. He later led companies including J Records, RCA Music Group and BMG North America.

Although not a performer himself, Davis' name was synonymous with music. His hit-maker skill impacted a dazzling array of big-name musicians, such as Janis Joplin, Alicia Keys, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, Kelly Clarkson, Simon & Garfunkel, Earth Wind & Fire, Carlos Santana, Aretha Franklin and Patti Smith.

"At 22 years old, he changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records," Bruce Springsteen wrote on social media. "He treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success. A great man. All our prayers and love."

Santana called Davis "a visionary."

"He could hear the intangible before anyone else could see it," he wrote. "He believed in Santana from the beginning, and years later he believed in us again. That kind of faith is a beautiful blessing, and I will always be grateful."

Alicia Keys said Davis was a "visionary who transformed dreams into reality, leaving an indelible mark on music and lives worldwide."

Manilow said, "For 50 years we worked together, created together, argued together and celebrated together. Yes, some would say it was business. But to Clive, it never was. It was family. And I was honored to be a part of his."

A five-time Grammy winner, Davis also received the Grammy Trustees Award in 2000, and his name graces a theater at the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles. His pre-Grammy Awards party — usually held at The Beverly Hilton - - is one of the biggest annual gatherings of music industry executives, performers and influencers.

Whitney Houston died on Feb. 11, 2012, in a Beverly Hilton hotel room, where she was staying to attend Davis' pre-Grammy party the next night. Despite her death, Davis went forward with the party, turning the event into a tribute to the superstar performer.

Davis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

He is survived by his children Fred, Lauren, Doug and Mitchell.

City News Service