Clive Davis, the legendary record executive who founded Arista Records and J Records and signed Whitney Houston, has died at the age of 94.
Davis died at his home in New York City on Monday (June 22). His family announced his death in a statement posted to his official X account.
“To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives,” the Davis family wrote. “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, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the center 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.
“Through every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive‘s greatest pride and deepest joy. Today, we celebrate not only a towering figure whose influence changed music forever, but the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness.
“We will miss him greatly, cherish him always, and carry his love with us for the rest of our lives,” concluded the statement, signed the Davis Family.
Davis was named President of Columbia Records in 1967, where he signed artists including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Santana and Aerosmith.
He founded Arista Records in 1974, and the label went on to release music by Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow, Patti Smith and the Grateful Dead.
In 1989, Davis co-founded LaFace Records with Babyface and L.A. Reid, the home of OutKast, TLC, Usher, Pink and Toni Braxton.
He later launched Bad Boy Records with Sean Combs, which released music by The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans.
In 2000, he left Arista to launch J Records, which signed and developed Alicia Keys.
Between 2002 and 2008, Davis served as Chairman and CEO of the RCA Music Group.
He later became Chief Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, a title he held until his death.
No artist became more closely associated with Davis than Whitney Houston, whom he signed to Arista in 1983.
He oversaw her recordings from her debut album through to her death in 2012, a partnership that produced seven consecutive US Number One singles.
“No-one’s life goes up, up, up – and music is an especially tough business… You’ve got to be able to face adversity and count on resilience,” Davis told MBW in 2017.
“No-one’s life goes up, up, up – and music is an especially tough business… You’ve got to be able to face adversity and count on resilience.”
Clive Davis, speaking with MBW in 2017
Davis hosted an annual pre-Grammy gala, which had taken place the night before the awards show since 1975.
He hosted the most recent gala on January 31, 2026, which honored Republic Records co-founders Monte and Avery Lipman.
Davis had been hospitalized in New York City in late May with an upper respiratory infection.
The Arista name was relaunched by Sony Music as a frontline label in 2018, under David Massey.
Davis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and won five Grammy Awards across his career.
Aretha Franklin once called Davis “the greatest record man of all time.”
Tributes have poured in for Davis today.
Rob Stringer, Chairman, Sony Music Group, issued the following statement on Monday on the passing of Clive Davis:
“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,” said Stringer.
“Not only are many, many artists we represent continuously indebted to his service 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.”
Carlos Santana said: “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. Peace, love, and light.”
Bruce Springsteen said: “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.”Music Business Worldwide