Clive Davis, the bisexual music executive whose unerring ear and instincts helped define the sound of modern American pop, has died at the age of 94. He is survived by his four children and his partner, Greg Schriefer, 65.
Over more than six decades in the music industry, Davis was responsible for the success of massive artists including Whitney Houston (with Davis above), Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, and more.
His career included powerful stints at Columbia Records, Arista Records, J Records, RCA, and Sony Music, where he established his reputation as a star-maker in popular music.
Entertainment icon Clive Davis, who shaped modern music as founder of Arista Records and president of Columbia Records, died at 94, family members tell NBC News.
Davis was credited with discovering Whitney Houston and bringing the singer to prominence, in addition to countless… pic.twitter.com/t1LjNdX1rn
— NBC News (@NBCNews) June 22, 2026
From The Advocate:
Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Davis graduated from New York University and Harvard Law School before joining Columbia Records as a lawyer. By 1967, he was president of the label. After leaving Columbia in the 1970s, he founded Arista Records, the company through which he would make his deepest mark on pop and R&B.
His defining professional relationship was with Houston, whom he signed as a teenager in 1983. Under Davis’s guidance, Houston became one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Davis was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 as an Ahmet Ertegun Award recipient, an honor for non-performing industry professionals, and won multiple Grammy Awards.
His annual pre-Grammy gala became one of the industry’s signature power gatherings.
Four years ago, Davis sat down with CBS Mornings‘ Gayle King to talk on his storied career.
Davis came out as bisexual in his 2013 memoir, The Soundtrack of My Life.
After two marriages to women had ended in divorce, he shared that he had opened himself up to “the possibility of a relationship based on the person and not on gender.”
Billy Joel pays tribute to Clive Davis following his death:
“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… pic.twitter.com/p5oqWBxVnh
— Variety (@Variety) June 22, 2026
I needed a moment…This was a huge blow to wake up to. I know Nobody lives forever, but Clive’s impact and legacy will always live on! Yes, he was the legendary music mogul, but he was family to me. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. You will be missed, Clive ! We… pic.twitter.com/zyxSLaC3TI
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) June 22, 2026
Clive Davis, Legendary Music Executive, Dies at 94https://t.co/O1KafuNeX5
— billboard (@billboard) June 22, 2026
(lead image via Depositphotos)
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