Legendary music executive Clive Davis has died at age 94. He was known for deep, trusting relationships with the artists he represented. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Davis played an important role in shaping Janis Joplin's career, but she arguably played an even bigger role in shaping his. After becoming president of Columbia Records at age 35, Davis attended the Monterey Pop festival in California looking for new acts. He saw Big Brother & The Holding Company, featuring Janis Joplin. He convinced them to sign with Columbia Records, which launched Joplin's rise to stardom.
Davis also worked closely with Whitney Houston. He helped produce her debut album and turned her into a global superstar. In 1998, at a pre-Grammy party in New York, Davis, Bobby Brown, and Whitney Houston were photographed together.
With Alicia Keys, Davis maintained a close relationship. On April 20, 2024, at the opening night of the Broadway musical "Hell's Kitchen" in New York, Keys and Davis were seen together.
Davis posed with Carlos Santana at the 42nd Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 23, 2000. Santana won several Grammys that night.
Davis appeared with Kenny G at the Pre-Grammy Gala in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 31, 2026.
Davis also attended a special screening of "Western Stars" at Metrograph in New York on Oct. 16, 2019.
Davis's career spanned six decades, and he helped shape the careers of artists through deep, trusting relationships. His influence is still felt today.