Clive Davis, one of the most influential figures in the modern music industry and the executive behind the rise of stars such as Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, and Barry Manilow, has died at the age of 94.

According to a statement from his family, Davis passed away peacefully on June 22 at his Manhattan home due to age-related illness, following a recent hospitalization for a respiratory infection.Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Davis began his career as a lawyer before joining Columbia Records in the 1960s.

His sharp business instincts quickly elevated him to president of the label, where he played a key role in identifying and developing major artists including Janis Joplin, Santana, Chicago, and Pink Floyd.

Despite his success, his tenure at Columbia ended in 1973 amid a financial scandal involving the use of company funds, though he later continued his career without lasting legal consequences.

Davis went on to found Arista Records, where he spent decades shaping the careers of globally recognized artists such as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Barry Manilow.

He also helped launch influential subsidiary labels and collaborations, including LaFace Records and Bad Boy Records, contributing to the success of acts like TLC, Usher, The Notorious B.I.G., and Toni Braxton.Later, through J Records, he supported newer stars like Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson.

Beyond his executive work, Davis remained deeply involved in the music industry through his annual Pre-Grammy Gala and continued to mentor artists well into his later years.He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and published a memoir detailing his career and personal life.

His legacy is widely regarded as transformative, reshaping how modern pop, rock, and R&B artists are discovered, developed, and presented to global audiences.