Clive Davis, the record company lawyer who became one of the music industry's most powerful figures, has died aged 94. He was hospitalised earlier this year following an upper respiratory issue and was released a few days later.
Davis was confirmed dead in his Manhattan apartment by his publicist Aliza Rabinoff, who also shared a statement from his family.
"To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives. He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations," the statement read.
Davis was known for his ability to spot and nurture talent, and his record label, Arista, became a launching pad for many superstars. He signed Whitney Houston when she was just a teenager and turned her into America's reigning pop princess. Houston racked up multiple No. 1 hits and became one of the top-selling artists in pop history before drug abuse hobbled her career.
But Davis was not just a discoverer of talent; he was also a master at keeping veterans relevant decades after their first hit. Aretha Franklin, whose legend was made at Atlantic Records, flourished in her later years at Arista, as did Luther Vandross, who made his last albums for another Davis label, J Records.
Davis had his share of controversies, including a bitter fallout with Columbia Records in 1973, which he later claimed was cleared up, but not before it led to tax evasion charges. He pleaded guilty to one count and had to pay a $US10,000 fine.
Despite the setbacks, Davis continued to thrive, launching the career of multi-platinum, multiple-Grammy winner Alicia Keys, among others.
"Maybe I should have been more sceptical," Davis wrote in his 2013 memoir, The Soundtrack of My Life, "but I've always been optimistic, and I felt hopeful. It felt like old times," referring to Houston's later years.
Arista was not without its controversies, however, including the Milli Vanilli scandal, in which the male pop duo was stripped of its best new artist Grammy after it was revealed that they weren't actually singing their songs.
But Davis' legacy will endure, and his influence on the music industry will be felt for generations to come.
Key Facts:* • Davis was 94 when he died • He was hospitalised earlier this year following an upper respiratory issue • He signed Whitney Houston when she was just a teenager • Arista was one of his most successful record labels • He launched the career of Alicia Keys and many other superstars