Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 29
Clive Davis Funeral Draws 10-Plus Music Stars as Industry Honors Executive Who Died at 94
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 29

Clive Davis Funeral Draws 10-Plus Music Stars as Industry Honors Executive Who Died at 94

3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 29

Summary

  • Central Synagogue in Manhattan hosted a closed, livestreamed funeral Monday for Clive Davis, drawing Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder and other music stars.
  • Kenny G opened the service with a sax solo as Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl said Davis would have loved the turnout; Rob Stringer, Warwick and Manilow shared stories of his ear for hits and career-shaping advice.
  • Manilow recalled Davis backing his version of “Brandy,” later renamed “Mandy,” which reached No. 1, while Warwick said his push to work with Manilow produced a platinum album and 2 Grammys.
  • Davis died June 22 in his Manhattan apartment at 94, weeks after hospitalization for an upper respiratory issue, ending a career that launched Whitney Houston, Springsteen, Keys and Kenny G and revived artists including Santana.

Insights

In today's music industry of artist autonomy, could a powerful mogul like Clive Davis exist again?
Genius or gatekeeper: Did Clive Davis's 'golden ears' elevate music, or just commercialize it?
He built superstars like Whitney Houston, but what was the hidden cost of his controversial formula?