Clive Davis, Iconic Music Producer, Passes Away at 94
A 94‑year‑old record executive and lawyer died in his Manhattan apartment on 22 June 2026. Family members confirmed the death, and his publicist issued a statement. Earlier that year, the veteran had been admitted for an upper‑respiratory infection and was released a few days later.
He began his entertainment career as a lawyer for Columbia Records in 1960 and became president of the label in 1967. In 1970 he founded Arista Records, a label that signed a wide range of artists across rock, pop, and R&B. Over five decades he helped launch careers for singers such as Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow, and Alicia Keys, and managed continued success for veterans including Aretha Franklin and Luther Vandross.
Davis later oversaw the creation of J Records in partnership with BMG, signing artists like Michael B. Jordan’s side project and the R&B singer Alicia Keys. He also held senior roles at BMG’s U.S. division and worked to promote winners of “American Idol,” contributing to several platinum releases.
Born 4 April 1932, Davis had four children. He disclosed in his memoir that he had lived with a male partner in recent years, confirming long‑standing speculation about his sexuality.