Music industry titan Clive Davis, starmaker behind legends, dies at 94

Clive Davis, the monumental music producer and record industry titan, has passed away at the age of 94. His family confirmed he died peacefully at his Manhattan home on Monday, June 22, 2026, due to age-related illness. Davis's unparalleled career spanned decades, during which he was celebrated for his uncanny ability to discover and cultivate some of music's most iconic artists.

Known as "the man with the golden ears," Davis left an indelible mark on the music world, leading major labels such as Columbia Records and founding Arista Records and J Records. His remarkable roster of talent includes industry legends like Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, and Aretha Franklin, among many others across various genres.

A five-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Davis's vision and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the careers of countless artists and influenced the soundtrack of generations. His legacy as a transformative executive and a champion of artistic talent will endure in the history of modern music.