Music executive Clive Davis, behind Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston’s careers, dead at 94
Clive Davis, the influential music executive who signed Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, and hordes of other household names, has passed away at the age of 94.
Davis sadly passed away at his home in New York City on June 22nd. Though no official cause of death has been given, Davis faced several health issues in the latter portion of his life.
As confirmed by Rolling Stone, he was hospitalised in New York in May due to an upper respiratory issue. Several days later, he was released, with his representative promising that Davis was “in good spirits and happy to be recuperating at home.”
Additionally, in 2021, Davis was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, a condition that can impact facial muscles. Because of this, he postponed his esteemed pre-Grammy Gala, which had otherwise been held every year since 1975.
Davis boasts an incredible legacy and a triumphant seven-decade career. He was signed as President of Columbia Records in 1967 at age 35.
From there maintained his seat at the top by signing the world’s biggest superstars, such as Aretha Franklin, Carlos Santana, Janis Joplin, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Barry Manilow, and many others.
In 2017, Davis looked back on his spectacular career and admitted to Rolling Stone, “It’s hard to separate the life I’ve lived with my career, with contemporary music. I consider myself fortunate that over five decades, and in a very tough business environment, music has provided a lifetime of unexpected pleasure and gratification.”
Despite his booming success, Davis never predicted a music career. He even studied at Harvard Law, and began his career at the prestigious New York law firm, Rosenman, Colin, Kaye, Petschek and Freund.
One of Davis’ first big signings took place at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, where Davis witnessed Janis Joplin’s mind-blowing performance and immediately signed her to Columbia Records.
Elsewhere, Davis has had much cultural influence after coming out as bisexual in the final chapter of his 2013 memoir. He has since remained committed to breaking the stigma and societal misunderstanding around bisexuality.
Davis was married twice: first to Helen Cohen from 1956 to ’65, and then to Janet Adelberg from 1965 to ’85. His survivors include his children, Fred, Lauren, Mitch (a concert promoter), and Doug.
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