The music industry has been paying tribute to Clive Davis, the US record industry veteran and Arista Records founder who has died aged 94.
In a statement confirming his death, the Davis family say that, “to the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives. He discovered, mentored and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations”.
“To his family”, the statement continues, “Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the centre of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement and unconditional love. No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved”.
Davis began his record industry career as a lawyer for Columbia Records, part of CBS, where he rose to become President. He then founded Arista Records, which became part of BMG, and later he set up J Records. Along the way he worked with a plethora of artists, including Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Patti Smith, Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and Maroon 5.
Columbia, Arista and J Records all ultimately became part of what is now Sony Music, after Sony bought CBS Records in the 1980s and then later merged its record company with BMG in the 2000s. Then, in 2008, Davis was appointed Chief Creative Officer of the wider Sony Music business.
Sony has been leading the tributes to Davis since the news of his passing was announced. It says in a statement, “Clive was a legendary figure in our industry and an important part of Sony Music’s history. His instinct for artists and his ability to shape music across genres helped define generations - and left an enduring mark on our company and the broader music community”.
Sony Music Chairman Rob Stringer adds, “Clive of course played a seminal role in the story of Sony Music through two incredible chapters and he is responsible for a huge part of the recorded legacy of the company permanently”.
“Not only are many many artists we represent continuously indebted to his service”, he goes on, “but so many staff members have been influenced and mentored by his deep love and respect for our company which he carried right up until today. Our working lives are better for having had his constant presence in the aura and perception of Sony Music”.