Music industry giant Clive Davis passed away on Monday at 94 years old. He helped launch or shape the careers of music stars across genres and decades, like Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston and more.
Since his death, celebrities have been paying tribute to Davis on social media.
Carlos Santana called him a “visionary” in a statement obtained by the Associated Press.
FILE – Alicia Keys, left, and Clive Davis attend the “Hell’s Kitchen” Broadway musical opening night performance in New York on April 20, 2024. (Photo by CJ Rivera/Invision/AP, File)
“He could hear the intangible before anyone else could see it. He believed in Santana from the beginning, and years later, he believed in us again. That kind of faith is a beautiful blessing, and I will always be grateful,” Santana explained. ““Clive understood that music is more than entertainment. Music is a healing force. It brings people together beyond fear, beyond separation, beyond borders. He dedicated his life to championing artists and helping them share their gifts with the world.”
Alicia Keys said on Instagram that Davis changed her life “forever.”
“He believed in me from the very beginning, when I was just 18 years old, and very few saw what I was capable of!” the “No One” singer explained. “He has stood beside me through every chapter that followed. Not just in that fake industry way but in a way that was full of love for how unlimited I could be! He called me a Renaissance woman! It’s one of my favorite descriptions. It reminds me to be boundless.”
“My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis. For 50 years, we worked together, created together, argued together, and celebrated together,” wrote Barry Manilow on X. “Yes, some would say it was business. But to Clive, it never was. It was family. And I was honored to be a part of his. Thank you Clive. I wish we could do it all again.”
Mariah Carey took to her Instagram Stories to pay homage to Davis, writing, “Rest in peace to the legendary Clive Davis, a titan of the industry and a true champion of great music.”
Rod Stewart said he owed “Clive so much.”
“The force behind J Records, he was the only one who believed a rock singer could sing the standards with conviction. Other labels rejected the idea, and so ‘The Great American Songbook’ was born, selling close to 40 million copies,” he explained. “We had some wonderful, unforgettable times together, but for now, Mr. Davis, it’s goodbye, my dear friend.”
Bruce Springsteen wrote, “At 22 years old, he changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records. He treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success. A great man.”
“The music world and all those who have loved music for 6 decades have lost the visionary and champion of so many artists in so many genres,” wrote Paul Stanley on X. “A one of a kind genius. My condolences to his entire family.”
Davis passed away at his Manhattan home on Monday. The New York Times reported that he had been recently hospitalized for respiratory problems.
He is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.
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