Befitting his status as one of the most influential architects of 20th century music, Clive Davis and his legacy were celebrated by a who’s who of stars on Monday, following the news that he had died at the age of 94.
For years Davis ran CBS Records, home to Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel; signed the likes of Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, and Alicia Keys; and eventually launched his own company, Arista Records, which became home to artists as varied as the Grateful Dead, Aretha Franklin, the Kinks, Lou Reed, Dionne Warwick, Santana, and Barry Manilow.
Springsteen was among the first to pay respects, noting that Davis changed the rocker’s life at a young age.
“Over here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend Clive Davis,” Springsteen wrote. “He treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success. A great man. All our prayers and love.”
Alicia Keys, whom Davis famously championed in the late 1990s ahead of her monumental debut album Songs in A Minor, shared a photo of the duo on social.
She remembered him as “the visionary who transformed dreams into reality, leaving an indelible mark on music and lives worldwide.”
Carlos Santana similarly praised Davis’s profound understanding of the craft, emphasizing that the mogul saw music as a healing force meant to bring people together beyond borders. “Clive recognized the light in people,” Santana shared. “He encouraged artists to trust their own voice and step into their destiny. Because of his vision, countless musicians were able to reach hearts across the planet. I thank Clive for his friendship, his trust, and his belief in Santana.”
Rod Stewart said he was at a loss for words in thanking Davis for “some wonderful, unforgettable times together.”
Barry Manilow looked back on his 50-year relationship with Davis, saying he was “honored” to be a part of the mogul’s musical family.
Patti Smith shouted out Davis for “transforming music” and thanked him “for believing in me, shepherding my efforts, and a half century of your love and support.”
Songwriter Diane Warren also offered an emotional tribute, comparing the loss to losing a parent. “Dear Clive, losing you today feels like losing my father. Because you were always family to me. It was my dad who believed in me in the very beginning, it was you who never stopped believing in me. By having so many of your artists record my songs, even the ones who didn’t want to. And there were a few of those. I loved to play you songs and watch the look on your face when a song moved you. You really loved songs. And truly appreciated songwriters.”
