Clive Jay Davis, the man who signed Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Pink to his record label, Arista Records, and was mentor to Jennifer Hudson of Dreamgirls fame, has died in New York.
He was 94 years old.
Reports say he died of natural causes.
The announcement was made in a statement from the Davis family.
“To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives. 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. No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved.”
“Through every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive’s greatest pride and deepest joy. 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.
Clive Davis 1932-2026″
The record executive, A&R executive, record producer, and lawyer has five Grammy Awards under his belt, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
He leaves behind four children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.