Clive Davis: music industry executive who signed Whitney Houston and Bruce Springsteen dies aged 94

• "Davis signed many of the defining musicians of the 20th century, among them Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, Laura Nyro, Santana, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, and Aerosmith."

• "He helmed the major record labels Columbia, Arista, Sony imprint J Records, the RCA Group and BMG North America, and at the time of his death had been chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment since 2018."

My wife and I had dinner with him in West Hollywood once. A man of exquisite taste, intelligence, and culture. Also at the table that evening: Tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams (all the way on the other end of the table though). The man knew everybody, in show business, and well beyond. What a life he led.


Clive Davis predicted music’s biggest stars like no one else

 

Last edited: Jun 23, 2026 at 7:55 AM

Clive Davis, legendary music executive, dies at 94

R.I.P.