- Clive Davis died on June 22, 2026, at the age of 94 at his home in Manhattan.
- He helped launch or guide the careers of artists including Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, and Kelly Clarkson.
- Davis founded Arista Records, later founded J Records, won five Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
Clive Davis, the influential music executive whose career helped shape popular music for more than six decades, died on June 22 at the age of 94. His family confirmed that he died peacefully at his home in Manhattan following an age-related illness. He was surrounded by family and loved ones at the time of his death.
Davis was best known for discovering, signing, and guiding some of the biggest names in modern music. Over the course of his career, he played a key role in the success of artists including Whitney Houston, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, Santana, Patti Smith, Aretha Franklin, and many others. His ability to identify talent across genres made him one of the most respected executives in the recording industry.
The life of Clive Davis
Born on April 4, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, Davis attended New York University before earning a law degree from Harvard Law School. He entered the music business in 1960 and rose through the ranks at Columbia Records, becoming president of the label in 1967 at just 35 years old. During his tenure, he signed artists including Janis Joplin and helped expand Columbia’s presence in rock music.
After leaving Columbia Records in the early 1970s, Davis founded Arista Records in 1974. Under his leadership, Arista became home to major artists including Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston, Patti Smith, and Aretha Franklin. He later founded J Records, where he helped launch the careers of artists such as Alicia Keys. His influence extended well into the 21st century through executive roles with Sony Music and RCA Music Group.
Shaping the landscape of music
Many of the era’s most successful recordings passed through Davis’ hands. He oversaw releases including Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All,” Rob Thomas and Santana’s “Smooth,” Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’,” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” Throughout his career, he earned five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer in 2000.
Davis remained active in the music industry into his 90s and continued to be regarded as one of the most influential executives in entertainment. He is survived by his four children and extended family. His career spanned the rise of rock, pop, R&B, and modern streaming-era music, making him one of the most consequential figures behind the scenes in American music history.
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