Washington (USA), 22 June (LaPresse) – Clive Davis, the record industry lawyer who became one of the most powerful figures in the music industry, has died aged 94. The news was confirmed by his family to the New York Times. Davis, who passed away at his Manhattan flat, enjoyed a career spanning over five decades, launching or reviving the careers of artists such as Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys. Among his greatest successes was Whitney Houston: he signed her when she was still a teenager, turning her into one of the best-selling artists in pop history. He also launched Alicia Keys’ career and worked with Billy Joel, Patti Smith, Lou Reed and the Grateful Dead. He was also the mastermind behind Santana’s *Supernatural*, which won eight Grammys, and helped revive the careers of artists such as Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross and Rod Stewart. There were, however, mistakes and conflicts: he refused to sign Meat Loaf and had clashes with some of his colleagues. After becoming president of Columbia Records in 1967, he left the label in 1973 amid allegations of mismanagement. He later faced a tax evasion case, but still managed to found Arista Records, which was destined to become one of the most successful labels in the music industry.
Farewell to Clive Davis: he launched the careers of Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys
Washington (USA), 22 June (LaPresse) – Clive Davis, the record industry lawyer who became one of the most powerful figures in the music industry, has died aged 94. The news was confirmed by his family to the New York Times. Davis, who passed away at his Manhattan flat, enjoyed a career spanning over five decades, launching or reviving the careers of artists such as Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys. Among his greatest successes was Whitney Houston: he signed her when she was still a teenager, turning her into one of the best-selling artists in pop history. He also launched Alicia Keys’ career and worked with Billy Joel, Patti Smith, Lou Reed and the Grateful Dead. He was also the mastermind behind Santana’s *Supernatural*, which won eight Grammys, and helped revive the careers of artists such as Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross and Rod Stewart. There were, however, mistakes and conflicts: he refused to sign Meat Loaf and had clashes with some of his colleagues. After becoming president of Columbia Records in 1967, he left the label in 1973 amid allegations of mismanagement. He later faced a tax evasion case, but still managed to found Arista Records, which was destined to become one of the most successful labels in the music industry.
