Musicians pay tribute to Clive Davis (READ HERE)

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Record company executive Clive Davis, who died June 22 at the age of 94, touched an extraordinary number of musicians lives in his long career, which started when he was hired as a lawyer by CBS Records in the early ’60s; in the ’70s, he founded his own label, Arista. He was an important figure in the careers of musicians ranging from Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston to Janis Joplin, Simon & Garfunkel, Billy Joel, Patti Smith, Barry Manilow, Santana, Alicia Keys, Chicago, Aerosmith and The Grateful Dead.

Many musicians have released statements about him since his death. Here are some of them:

Bruce Springsteen: Over here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend Clive Davis. 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. All our prayers and love.

Patti Smith: I have much to be thankful for, in terms of Clive. Of course, he signed me to Arista in 1975 and gave me the creative freedom to record and to bring forth Horses in the way that I envisioned. And he was always very good to me. Always showed me great love and respect, as an artist, and I will miss him.

Billy Joel: 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 of the critical importance of songwriting. He undoubtedly enhanced the stature of the music industry during his tenure as president of Columbia Records.

Carlos Santana: Clive Davis was a visionary. 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. 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. Clive recognized the light in people. He encouraged artists to trust their own voice and step into their destiny. Because of his vision, countless musicians were able to reach hearts across the planet. I thank Clive for his friendship, his trust, and his belief in Santana. We celebrate his extraordinary journey and the legacy of joy, inspiration, and possibility that he leaves behind. We send our deepest love and blessings to his family and to all who were touched by his life.

Barry Manilow: My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend. For fifty years we worked together, created together, argued together, and celebrated together. 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.

Clive Davis with Dionne Warwick.

Dionne Warwick: My dear friend lived a more than promised allotted time and made each moment count. I am truly going to miss him. He always wanted to know “where’s my Dionne?” I referred to him as the brown shoe, white sock record executive. I can think of no other record man that seemed to have that magical ability to know a hit when he heard a song. The entire music industry I’m sure will mourn his passing. He was one of a kind.

Chicago: Clive Davis was among the first in the music industry to truly believe in Chicago, embracing the unique Chicago sound and giving the band total artistic freedom. He signed Chicago to Columbia Records after other Columbia executives had passed them over, and he fostered the band’s innovative style of Rock & Roll with brass. We are forever grateful for the support he eagerly and generously bestowed on a young, unknown band without hesitation. Our condolences to the Davis family and all those who knew and loved him.

Aerosmith: Our hearts are with the friends and family of Clive Davis, and all the artists and music lovers whose lives he changed with his vision, talent, and generosity. He discovered Aerosmith, an unknown bar band, in 1972 and swiftly signed us to Columbia Records. He stood by us through our resurgence in the 1980s when our future wasn’t promised. He was a great man whose life’s work became the melody of modern culture and whose memory will always be a blessing.

Alicia Keys: To Clive Davis, the visionary who transformed dreams into reality, leaving an inedible mark on music and lives worldwide.

Gladys Knight: He was an icon and did so much for so many. There will never be another Clive — it was an honor to perform at and attend his pre-Grammy events and I’m so happy I was at recent ones. He and Whitney are together again and the heavens are singing.

Jennifer Hudson: 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 will always celebrate your life and legacy.

Kenny Loggins: I owe my career to Clive Davis. He believed in me when others would only “wait and see.” He had the ability to use his “gut” instead of just looking at the numbers. The last of his kind in this business, he will be missed.

Willie Nile: Rest in peace Clive Davis. With gratitude for signing me to Arista Records in 1978.

Terre Roche of The Roches: Clive Davis stands out in my memory as the most wonderful example of how to say “No” to an artist. In 1973, Michael Tannen brought Maggie and me to Clive’s apartment where we listened to the entire Seductive Reasoning album hoping he might sign us to Columbia Records. In fact, he declined but in the most gracious manner. And here’s the remarkable part. The next morning Clive was on the front page of the newspaper for having been fired from Columbia Records. I have always thought he must have known that was coming down the pike. Yet, it never came up during our visit where he made us feel welcome in his home. Rest in Peace Clive Davis.

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