Grammy-award winning record producer, Clive Davis, who helped shape the careers of some of the biggest names in the music industry, has died at the age of 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,” read the statement.
“He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.”
The music mogul, whose career spanned more than six decades, was diagnosed in 2021 with Bell’s palsy, a neurological condition that causes sudden weakness or temporary paralysis on one side of the face.
“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,” the post stated.
“No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1932, Davis originally pursued a career in law before entering the music business. He rose through the ranks at Columbia Records during the 1960s and eventually became president of the label, helping usher in a new era of rock and contemporary music.
“Through every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive’s greatest pride and deepest joy,” his family concluded. “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.”
After leaving Columbia Records in the 1970s, Davis founded Arista Records, expanding his reach to superstar talent across multiple music genres. It was there that he famously discovered the late Whitney Houston who, under his guidance, became one of the best-selling recording pop artists, achieving 11 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 chart.
Davis also played a key role in the career of other successful artists, including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow and Kelly Clarkson. Aretha Franklin later joined Arista, and Luther Vandross went on to create his final album under J Records, Davis’s next label formed in 2000.Davis received numerous honors recognizing his contributions to music, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
