Music industry titan Clive Davis dies aged 94

Clive Davis, the American music mogul credited with discovering and nurturing global superstars like Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, and Santana, has died at 94. Davis, a lawyer by training, transitioned into the music industry, rising to become president of CBS Records in 1966. His career defined the modern music business, spanning decades and genres.

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Clive has the mind of a bank executive and the ears of a teenager.

Known for his empathetic approach and uncanny knack for identifying talent, Davis transformed artists into household names. His roster included icons such as Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Earth, Wind & Fire, Billy Joel, Patti Smith, and Alicia Keys. Grateful Dead singer Bob Weir even humorously altered lyrics to honor Davis's influence.

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The emphasis in Jewish families that did not have any money was that you've got to be a lawyer, or you've got to be a doctor. I was going to be a lawyer, with no clue what being a lawyer meant.

Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Davis initially pursued law, influenced by his family's emphasis on stable professions. However, personal tragedies, including the deaths of both parents, coincided with his early career. A pivotal moment came when he joined Columbia Records as legal counsel, a move that unexpectedly launched him into the heart of the music world.

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I knew nothing about music. I knew nothing about what awaited me. But I did seize that opportunity.

Davis's fascination with the burgeoning folk and rock scenes led him to attend the Monterey Pop Festival, an experience he described as life-changing. His signing of Janis Joplin that night signaled his bold approach. He also guided artists like Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel, famously encouraging them to develop "Bridge Over Troubled Water" into a radio hit. For Bruce Springsteen, Davis's feedback on a demo led to the rocker writing hits like "Blinded by the Light" in a single evening.

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That was a good call.