The music world lost another great icon when Clive Davis, a legendary record producer and music executive, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the age of 94. According to reports, he passed away due to age-related illness. Throughout his outstanding career, Davis helped shape the careers of many famous artists, including Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel.
Death of Clive Davis
The news of Davis's death has received widespread reactions from fans and celebrities around the world. He was known for his extraordinary vision in identifying talent and nurturing artists' careers. Davis started his career at Columbia Records before founding Arista Records in 1974, and later J Records. He also served as the Chief Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainment.
Artists He Launched
Bruce Springsteen, who was signed by Davis to Columbia Records in 1972 when Davis was the label's president, shared a statement on Instagram on Monday. "Here on E Street, we mourn the passing of a great record man and dear friend, Clive Davis," wrote Springsteen. "At 22, he changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records. He treated me with the same respect and kindness as I was an unknown at 22 as after all my success. A great man. Our prayers and love go out to him."
When Davis founded Arista Records in 1974, he signed Barry Manilow to his new label. The singer of the song "Mandy" later sold over 85 million records worldwide. After the news of Davis's death, Manilow expressed on platform X: "My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis. For fifty years, we worked together, created together, debated together, and celebrated together. Yes, some say it was business. But for Clive, it was never that. It was family. And I feel honored to be part of it. Thank you, Clive. I hope we can do it again."
In the late 1960s, Carlos Santana and his band were signed to Columbia Records by Davis. Santana then followed Davis to Arista Records, where they worked on the album "Supernatural." The album won nine awards at the 42nd Grammy Awards. Santana shared a statement on Monday and called Davis a "visionary." "He could hear something that wasn't obvious before others could see it. He believed in Santana from the beginning, and years later, he believed in us again. Such belief is a beautiful blessing, and I will always be grateful," said Santana.
Santana also emphasized that Davis "understood that music is more than entertainment. Music is a healing power. It brings people together beyond fear, beyond division, beyond borders. He dedicated his life to fighting for artists and helping them share their talents with the world."
Rob Thomas, who provided vocals for the hit Santana song "Smooth," also shared his respects on Instagram. "For 27 years, Clive Davis has been a friend and mentor to me," wrote Thomas. "We started our working relationship when we released 'Smooth' and continued to work together. After 94 years, this loss brings much sadness but more than that, it is a tribute to an amazing life. Clive, you will be missed, but your legacy lives on forever."
Davis also signed Patti Smith Group to Arista after seeing their performance at a club in New York. Their friendship lasted for several decades, and Smith officially inducted Davis into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. In an honor post on Instagram, Smith wrote in the form of poetry: "This is / thanks to Clive Davis / for changing music, / and personally, / for believing in me, / guiding my efforts / and half a century / of your love and support."
In the late 1990s, Davis signed Alicia Keys. When he left Arista in August 2000 and founded J Records, he brought Keys to the label, and Keys launched the album "Songs in A Minor," which won five Grammy Awards in 2002. Keys shared a photo of them together on Instagram Story on Monday.
Widespread Condolences
Many other artists also expressed their condolences. Diane Warren wrote on Instagram: "Countless artists and songwriters owe everything to You. I am one of them. Without you I would never have the career I have." Harry Connick Jr. was among the first to remember Davis on Instagram with the caption: "so saddened to hear about the death of clive davis... he was a giant in the music industry -- and such a nice man... rest in peace."
Clive Davis left an invaluable legacy in the music industry. His belief in artists and his ability to see potential that others couldn't see has transformed the global music landscape. Although he is no longer with us, his contributions to the world of music will continue to be remembered and appreciated.
*Original source: [abcnews.com](https://abcnews.com/GMA/Culture/clive-davis-artists-helped-launch-tributes-after-death/story?id=134100807)*