Clive Davis Dies at 94, Drawing Tributes From Manilow, Springsteen and Santana
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 22
Clive Davis Dies at 94, Drawing Tributes From Manilow, Springsteen and Santana
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 22
Summary
Clive Davis died Monday in Manhattan at 94, ending a more than 50-year career in which he helped shape stars including Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow and Aretha Franklin.
Barry Manilow said Davis was like family after 50 years together and credited him with helping deliver his first No. 1 hit, “Mandy.”
Bruce Springsteen said Davis changed his life by signing him to Columbia at 22, while Carlos Santana praised the producer’s ability to hear “the intangible” before others did.
Gladys Knight, Patti Smith, Darlene Love, Martha Stewart and Magic Johnson also hailed Davis as an icon, mentor and visionary whose influence on artists and popular music will endure.
Clive Davis shaped music for 50 years. What unreleased masterpieces and untold artist stories are now locked in his archives?
He built empires after being fired. What was the secret to Clive Davis's legendary ear for discovering music superstars?
Clive Davis Dies at 94: Five Decades of Shaping the Sound and Business of Modern Music
Overview
Clive Davis, a legendary music executive and starmaker for over five decades, passed away peacefully at home on June 22, 2026, after facing a brief respiratory infection and hospitalization. His death marks the end of an era for the music industry, as he remained deeply passionate about music until his final days. Davis's lifelong dedication to discovering and nurturing talent shaped the careers of countless artists and transformed the sound of modern music. His passing leaves a significant void, prompting reflection on his immense influence and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.