Obituaries

"Thank You, Clive": Biz Leaders and Artists Pay Tribute

June 22, 2026

Executives and artists express their love and admiration for the legendary Clive Davis, who died Monday at age 94.

Rob Stringer, Chairman, Sony Music Group

“Clive of course played a seminal role in the story of Sony Music through two incredible chapters, and he is responsible for a huge part of the recorded legacy of the company permanently. Not only are many, many artists we represent continuously indebted to his service but so many staff members have been influenced and mentored by his deep love and respect for our company which he carried right up until today. Our working lives are better for having had his constant presence in the aura and perception of Sony Music.”

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group

“When I think back over more than four decades of friendship with Clive Davis, two moments always come to mind.

In 1981, I was in a basement club on Baker Street in London to see a band I desperately wanted to sign, Haircut 100. The moment I saw Clive there, I knew they’d sign to Arista. I was introduced to him that night. As a young talent scout, I was completely intimidated.

A couple of years ago, I was in France and Allen Grubman invited me to lunch with Clive and his partner. It was an unforgettable afternoon, with Clive serving as an encyclopedic guide through the history of the music business, his years at CBS Records, the artists, the bets he made and why he made them. We never worked together, but I loved how he fused creative and commercial nous, setting the way for the modern music business.

My deepest, heartfelt condolences to his family, his four children and countless friends.”

Monte Lipman, Executive Chairman, REPUBLIC

"Avery and I got our start in the music business working for Clive at Arista Records in the late 1980s. By virtue of being in his orbit, we had a front-row seat to his extraordinary success as he discovered and championed legendary artists who’ve gone on to make the world a better place. It was his passion for culture, community and music, along with his unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of his life, that resonated with us so profoundly; but the most valuable lesson he ever taught us was that family always comes first. Earlier this year, Avery and I had the privilege of being recognized by Clive at his legendary Pre-Grammy Gala. To stand alongside him nearly 40 years later was a deeply meaningful full circle moment that we will always cherish and hold dear in our hearts. We love you Clive."

Avery Lipman, Vice Chairman, REPUBLIC

"My first job in the music business was working as Clive's part-time secretary. On my very first day, I handed him a list of missed calls and mentioned that his son had called while he was in a meeting. Clive immediately told me, 'If any of my children call, you need to grab me.' From that day forward, I interrupted meetings and calls whenever one of his children reached out and every single time, he stopped what he was doing and took the call. Years later, when people asked me what it was like to work for such an iconic executive, my first thought was always the same: he was the most devoted father. The world will remember Clive for his unparalleled contributions to music and culture, but I'll always remember the example he set as a parent, mentor and leader. I am deeply grateful to have known him."

Peter Edge, Chairman and CEO, RCA Records

“Clive was truly one of a kind—a relentless advocate for great music and great artists. I had the privilege of learning from him early in my career, and his focus, his standards, and his belief in artists left a lasting impression on me and so many others. His impact on this business is immeasurable, and his legacy will live on through the music he helped bring into the world.”

Tom Corson, Co-chairman and COO, Warner Records Group

"Clive Davis was unlike anyone I’ve ever encountered in this business. I spent many years working alongside him and watched him walk into a room and change it—not just with his instincts, which were incomparable, but with his warmth. He remembered everything about everyone. He spent his entire career lifting artists, lifting people and lifting this industry with equal devotion. Working with him didn’t just shape my career—it shaped how I think about music, about people and about what this business can be at its best. I am a better executive and a better person for having been in his orbit."

Allen Grubman

“Clive Davis has made an historic contribution to the recording industry. His impact on contemporary music has been enormous. He will be remembered forever as a true giant of the music business.”

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO, The Recording Academy

“Music lost one of its most important and impactful figures today, and I lost a dear friend and mentor. With his ears of gold and natural gift of hitmaking, Clive Davis developed music’s brightest legends and stars, earning him four Grammy wins and the Recording Academy Trustees Award in 2000. Clive was a generous supporter of MusiCares, and the Recording Academy has been proud to co-host the annual Pre-Grammy Gala with him for over 15 years, a tradition Clive started over 50 years ago, gathering music’s most innovative and accomplished people every year on the Saturday night before the Grammy Awards. Clive being a part of our industry has made a massive impact on music people everywhere, including myself. Thank you, Clive, for all you've done for all of us in music. You will be missed.”

Jon Platt, Chairman/CEO, Sony Music Publishing

“Clive Davis was a music publisher’s best friend—someone who always understood the value of a song and the songwriter. What mattered most to Clive was a great song, and that passion was evident. We were fortunate to experience the one and only Clive Davis.”

Antonio “L.A.” Reid

“I first learned of Clive Davis when a friend handed me a book called Inside the Record Business. I was 19 years old, living in Cincinnati. What were the chances that a book like that would find its way into my hands at such a young age?

After reading it, I became more intrigued than ever about pursuing a career in music, thanks largely to the inspiration I received from a man I never imagined I would one day meet.

Many years later, the great Clarence Avant arranged a meeting between Clive, Babyface and me as we pursued a deal for our label, LaFace Records. At the time, Clive was president of Arista Records, already having built one of the most extraordinary careers in music history through his leadership at Columbia Records and Arista. That chance meeting would become the beginning of one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life.

Together with Clive, we shared success after success. His keen ear for talent, brilliant instincts and willingness to share his vast knowledge of the music business made him unlike anyone else. He had an uncanny ability to recognize greatness before the rest of the world could see it, and he never stopped evolving with the music and the culture.

I was fortunate to witness firsthand the leadership that made him a giant of our industry—from his groundbreaking years at Columbia, to building Arista into one of the most successful labels in the world, to later creating J Records, where he once again proved that greatness is never accidental. His influence can be heard across generations of artists and countless recordings that helped shape the soundtrack of our lives.

I am deeply honored to have spent those years working alongside him, learning from him and receiving his unwavering support. His impact on music is immeasurable, but his impact on my life was profoundly personal.

Clive Davis was one of the greatest to ever do it. His legacy will live on through the artists he championed, the executives he mentored and the millions of music fans whose lives were touched by the records he helped bring into the world.”

Jermaine Dupri

“It’s Black Music Month and today we lost the guy that really understood how important, how cultural and how impactful Black music is to the world. The man arranged distribution deals with T-Neck, home of the Isley Brothers, and Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International (The O’Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls). When he was at Columbia, he signed Earth, Wind & Fire and Herbie Hancock to the label and worked with the imprint’s established superstars Sly Stone and Miles Davis. He left Columbia in ‘73; in 1975, Davis and Arista cast a wide net, building a roster that included Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and, in 1983, Warwick’s cousin, Whitney Houston. In 1989, Davis, signed a joint venture with the Atlanta R&B label LaFace, co-founded by Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. He executed a similar move in 1993 by partnering with [Sean] Combs’ fledgling hip-hop label, Bad Boy Records. He signed so many other big artists. I’m just showing you how important he was to Black music and how important Black music was to him. Pls! @bet do something extravagant for Clive Davis, the way he would do it, for us.

Donnie Ienner

“Clive was a great taskmaster; very fair, kind and thoughtful. He never stopped being curious, never stopped keeping up with every new charted single each week, which in turn, kept all of our ears fresh. He was a mentor to me. I loved him dearly.”

Richard Palmese

“Anyone who knows me knows how very much I love Clive. I will miss him every day and cherish a lifetime of memories.”

Lionel Ridenour

“I wouldn't be the executive that I am today without Clive Davis. He took a chance on me and saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. Being at that Arista table for a decade gave me a Harvard PhD in the record business. His loss is tremendous; his legacy will last forever.”

Tommy Mottola

“Early on we became friends working with my artists, Carly Simon and Daryl Hall and John Oates. Clive was completely unique from almost every music executive that preceded him or was active at that time. If he was involved with something, then you knew it must be important and extra special! So many accomplishments and achievements! An amazing presence… and the rock that the industry was built upon. There was only one Clive Davis.”

Steve Bartels

“Clive gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to sit next to him and learn the business when he brought me to New York at Arista Records, creating a job for me that encompassed all areas of the business. He taught me how to listen, learn and ask the important questions when needed and how to do it in a way that would garner response. It prepared me for all my future leadership and artist endeavors. I will miss him and forever be grateful.”

Julie Swidler, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, T.J. Martell Foundation

“Clive Davis was one of the most important figures in the music industry, a true original. To all of us at the T.J. Martell Foundation, he was also a steadfast supporter of our mission. From the earliest days of the Foundation, Clive stood alongside Tony Martell, helping champion the fight against cancer and other life-threatening diseases. He understood the difference this work could make and remained committed to it for decades. We are grateful for his friendship, his guidance and the many ways he supported the Foundation over the years. The T.J. Martell Foundation would not be what it is today without Clive's enduring support. His absence will be felt deeply, but his legacy lives on in the work he helped make possible.”

Barry Weiss

“My memories and relationship with Clive Davis are hard to put into a brief sentence or two. Having grown up in the music business, I’ve heard his name for years and first met him at a CBS Records convention at the Century Plaza Hotel in 1972. I was also well aware of him through my father and his affiliation with Stax Records and my childhood neighbor Ron Alexenburg, another protege of Clive’s. We worked closely with him at Arista Records, which was Jive Records’ U.S. licensor in our infancy. Simply put he was a record man’s record man. Brilliant and expansive intellect, incredible taste and musical instincts and phenomenal problem-solving abilities, all rolled into one very sophisticated gentleman. As Clive Calder and I used to say, “We’re in the record business while Clive is in show business!” He will be missed.”

Bruce Springsteen

“Over here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend Clive Davis. At 22 years old, he changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records. 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.”

Billy Joel

View this post on Instagram

“Clive Davis convinced me to sign with Columbia Records many years ago. He recognized the talent of great musicians and understood the power of contemporary music. I will always be grateful to Clive for his recognition of the critical importance of songwriting. He undoubtedly enhanced the stature of the music industry during his tenure as president of Columbia Records.”

Carlos Santana

“Clive Davis was a visionary. He could hear the intangible before anyone else could see it. He believed in Santana from the beginning, and years later he believed in us again. That kind of faith is a beautiful blessing, and I will always be grateful.

Clive understood that music is more than entertainment. Music is a healing force. It brings people together beyond fear, beyond separation, beyond borders. He dedicated his life to championing artists and helping them share their gifts with the world.

Clive recognized the light in people. 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. We celebrate his extraordinary journey and the legacy of joy, inspiration, and possibility that he leaves behind.”

Barry Manilow

“My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis. For 50 years we worked together, created together, argued together, and celebrated together. Yes, some would say it was business. But to Clive, it never was. It was family. And I was honored to be a part of his. Thank you Clive. I wish we could do it all again.”

Rob Thomas

“For the last 27 years Clive Davis has been a friend and mentor to me. We started our working relationship when we released ‘Smooth’ and continued on, with me writing other songs for later Carlos albums performed by artists like Seal, Mary J. Blige and Musiq Soulchild. From that point on, every solo album I made, Clive was one of the first people to hear it. Sometimes he would send messages to my record label encouraging them to make sure they did all they could to work my records.

So many people just assumed that I was on Clive’s label but he was just a strong advocate for his friends. Compared to the superstars that Clive worked with and the careers he launched, I was a tiny fish but he always took time to make me feel special.

There are so many wonderful experiences I’ve had in my career that only happened because of that friendship… There are still a lot of good people in the music industry, but with him goes the end of an era.”

Diane Warren

“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. You didn’t look at fucking numbers and data, the only data that mattered to You was how it made you feel. Countless artists and songwriters owe everything to You. I am one of them. Without You I would never have the career I have. I know that. I will always cherish our friendship. No one will ever come close to what You have achieved. No one. Ever. Rest easy my dear friend, im sure there will be great voices to discover waiting for You in Heaven. I love You and I'm everything I am because you loved me. Thank You for that.”

Michael Bublé

“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Clive Davis. Clive wasn’t just a music legend, he was a champion of artists and someone who believed in people and their dreams. Forever grateful for his guidance, his generosity, and the opportunities he gave so many of us.”

Patti Smith

“This is thanking Clive Davis for transforming music, and on a very personal note, for believing in me, shepherding my efforts and a half century of your love and support."

Rod Stewart

“I owe Clive so much. The force behind J Records, he was the only one who believed a rock singer could sing the standards with conviction. Other labels rejected the idea, and so The Great American Songbook was born, selling close to 40 million copies. We had some wonderful, unforgettable times together, but for now, Mr. Davis, it’s goodbye, my dear friend.”

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff

“Gamble and Huff very sadly mourn the loss of their longtime dear friend Clive Davis. Clive was responsible for giving us our official start in the music business with the launch of our record label Philadelphia International Records through CBS Records. Clive’s appreciation and love for soul and rhythm and blues gave the platform for the Sound of Philadelphia to be heard all over the world. We will be forever be grateful for what Clive Davis has done for our music career and the impact he had on the history of music.”

Kenny Loggins

“I owe my career to Clive Davis. He believed in me when others would only 'wait and see.' He had the ability to use his 'gut' instead of just looking at the numbers. The last of his kind in this business, he will be missed.”

Narada Michael Walden

“Clive Davis believed in great songs, great artists and great records. Through Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and so many others, our paths crossed in music history. Thank you, Clive, for believing in excellence and helping bring so much joy to the world through music.”

Left, with Kenny Loggins; right, with Narada Michael Walden