Clive Davis: music industry executive who signed Whitney Houston and Bruce Springsteen dies aged 94

Clive Davis pictured in New York City in November 2021. Photograph: Dominik Bindl/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Clive Davis pictured in New York City in November 2021. Photograph: Dominik Bindl/Getty Images Clive Davis: music industry executive who signed Whitney Houston and Bruce Springsteen dies aged 94 Davis, who discovered many of the defining musicians of the 20th century and helmed major record labels, said he ‘never’ tired of the music business The famed US music industry executive and record producer Clive Davis has died aged 94, his family has confirmed . He had recently been hospitalised with respiratory problems and was recovering at home. “To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives,” a statement on social media read. “He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations. 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.” Davis signed many of the defining musicians of the 20th century, among them Bruce Springsteen , Janis Joplin , Laura Nyro , Santana, Whitney Houston , Billy Joel and Aerosmith . He helmed the major record labels Columbia, Arista, Sony imprint J Records, the RCA Group and BMG North America, and at the time of his death had been chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment since 2018. Davis was born on 4 April 1932 and raised in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighbourhood. After his parents died in quick succession while he was a teenager, Davis graduated from New York University College of Arts and Science with a degree in political science in 1953; three years later, he graduated from Harvard Law School. The loss of his parents put Davis in a precarious financial situation: if his grades dropped, he would lose his scholarships and have to sever his studies. “There’s no question that maintaining a work ethic became very much a part of my life and career,” he told Rolling Stone . CBS subsidiary Columbia Records hired Davis from the law firm that represented the company, first as general counsel – during which he impressed his superiors by successfully renegotiating Bob Dylan’s contract – and then as administrative vice president and general manager in 1965. Within two years, he was president of the label, signing Donovan and – after a revelatory trip to the Monterey Pop festival – Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company, and Santana. “I learned on the spot,” Davis told Leaders magazine . “I accidentally discovered I had a totally unexpected and unexplained gift – ears. This was quite a surprise, but I could, and would, discover great all-time artists.” View image in fullscreen Davis, pictured with Houston, mentored the singer and was involved with all but one of her albums.