Clive Davis, the record executive who turned instinct into an empire and helped launch some of music’s biggest stars, has died. He was 94.
The news was shared by his family, who called him “a towering figure whose influence changed music forever” and, at home, “the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness.”
His publicist confirmed his death to the media.
He was known for launching the careers of Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, to name just a few. In 1994, Clive Davis helped give Bad Boy Records the major-label muscle that turned it into a defining force in hip-hop and R&B. Through a joint venture with a young Sean “Diddy” Combs, Davis backed a roster that would help reshape the sound of the decade, including The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Mase, and 112.
Even in his 90s, Davis remained a fixture in music and entertainment, still showing up where culture was being made and celebrated. Just days before he was hospitalized for an upper respiratory issue, the legendary executive attended the Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner and Auction in New York City on May 19, appearing sharp and engaged among a star-filled crowd.
Back in May, he was rushed to the hospital. At the time, a spokesperson for Davis reached out directly to Media Take Out to set the record straight, confirming that the executive was currently battling an upper respiratory infection.
According to his team, it was out of an absolute “abundance of caution” that doctors made the decision to formally admit him to the hospital for observation and overnight treatment. He was later discharged and returned home.
Davis was a four-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.