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.<\/p>\n
Since his death, celebrities have been paying tribute to Davis on social media.<\/p>\n
Carlos Santana called him a \u201cvisionary\u201d in a statement obtained by the Associated Press.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n FILE \u2013 Alicia Keys, left, and Clive Davis attend the \u201cHell\u2019s Kitchen\u201d Broadway musical opening night performance in New York on April 20, 2024. (Photo by CJ Rivera\/Invision\/AP, File)<\/p>\n \u201cHe 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,\u201d Santana explained. \u201c\u201cClive 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Alicia Keys said on Instagram<\/a> that Davis changed her life \u201cforever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe believed in me from the very beginning, when I was just 18 years old, and very few saw what I was capable of!\u201d the \u201cNo One\u201d singer explained. \u201cHe 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\u2019s one of my favorite descriptions. It reminds me to be boundless.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis. For 50 years, we worked together, created together, argued together, and celebrated together,\u201d wrote Barry Manilow on X<\/a>. \u201cYes, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Mariah Carey took to her Instagram Stories<\/a> to pay homage to Davis, writing, \u201cRest in peace to the legendary Clive Davis, a titan of the industry and a true champion of great music.\u201d<\/p>\n Rod Stewart said he owed \u201cClive so much.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe 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 \u2018The Great American Songbook\u2019 was born, selling close to 40 million copies,\u201d he explained. \u201cWe had some wonderful, unforgettable times together, but for now, Mr. Davis, it\u2019s goodbye, my dear friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Bruce Springsteen wrote<\/a>, \u201cAt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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,\u201d wrote Paul Stanley on X<\/a>. \u201cA one of a kind genius. My condolences to his entire family.\u201d<\/p>\n Davis passed away at his Manhattan home on Monday. The New York Times<\/a> reported that he had been recently hospitalized for respiratory problems.<\/p>\n He is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/i><\/p>\n For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"FILE](\"https:\/\/ktla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/06\/AP26173607297832.jpg\")