Clive Davis, the founder of Arista Records and a notable figure in the music industry, has passed away in Manhattan

Clive Davis, the influential music executive whose impact spanned generations of artists and genres, has passed away at the age of 94 following a career that transformed the sound and industry of popular music.

Davis passed away on Monday at his residence in Manhattan, as reported by his family. He had recently been admitted to the hospital due to respiratory issues.

Long before he became one of the most recognizable executives in entertainment, Davis began his journey in the industry by joining the legal department of Columbia Records in 1960. He later confessed, “I knew nothing about music,” yet that did not prevent him from becoming one of the most astute hitmakers the industry had ever witnessed.

His ascent quickened in the late 1960s, as he played a pivotal role in guiding Columbia into the rock era, inspired by the cultural transformation he observed at the Monterey International Pop Festival. Davis recalled the moment clearly, stating, “I felt my spine tingle and my arms vibrate.” I came to understand that this was destined to be the future. I sensed it deep within me.

Davis played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the careers of numerous artists, including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Santana, Aerosmith, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, and many others.

His keen sense for commercial enchantment became his hallmark. Producer and executive Jimmy Iovine once remarked, “What I learned from Clive is that the only thing that truly matters at the end of the day when you’re making a record is the three and a half minutes of magic.”

Davis was particularly recognized for his collaboration with Houston, whose debut album in 1985 achieved remarkable success. He also remained steadfast in support of the dramatic a cappella opening of “I Will Always Love You,” a decision that contributed to the song’s transformation into a global classic.

His career was marked by controversy. After departing from Columbia in the 1970s, Davis reconstructed his empire with Arista Records, subsequently founding J Records. He also encountered criticism regarding creative control, as one former executive alleged that during Houston’s album process, “anything that was too Black-sounding was sent back to the studio.”

Nonetheless, Davis continued to be a formidable presence for many years. Aretha Franklin once stood up for him during a corporate dispute, stating, “If Clive leaves, I leave.”

In his later years, Davis candidly contemplated his life and identity, stating, “What is patently clear is that openness in all areas of life is an important component of happiness and success.”

Even at 85, Davis expressed that his passion remains strong: “I still love it.”