Clive Davis, legendary music executive, dies at age 94

Clive Davis, a towering figure in the music industry who guided the careers of countless stars, has died at 94. His publicist confirmed his peaceful passing at his Manhattan home on Monday due to age-related illness, surrounded by loved ones.

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I was plucked out of a law firm to become chief lawyer for Columbia Records three years out of law school. I did that for five years.

Davis, a five-time Grammy Award winner, was instrumental in advancing the careers of artists spanning R&B, jazz, rock, country, and hip-hop. He was renowned for his uncanny ability to spot hit songs and emerging talent, signing some of the biggest names in music.

Initially a lawyer, Davis was drawn into the music business when he became chief lawyer for Columbia Records. Despite not considering himself to have a "musical ear," he became one of the industry's most successful "hit-makers." He famously recalled his certainty that Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" would be a massive single.

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I do know when I hear a hit song. And so Simon and Garfunkel, [I'll] never forget that when they played me 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' I said, 'That has gotta be the first single.'

Artists and collaborators consistently cited mutual respect as the key to Davis's success. David Foster noted that Davis was "completely artist-friendly and the artist always comes first." Barry Manilow described Davis as an inspiration to him and the entire music business.

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He's completely artist-friendly and the artist always comes first.