Music Legends Mourn The Passing Of Clive Davis

The passing of the Grammy-winning music mogul Clive Davis brought a shower of starry tributes from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keyes and Carlos Santana.

Common refrains in the outpouring include Davis’ kindness, his vision and how he treated acts with the same care in their infancy as he did once they became icons. As Bruce Springsteen said, “He treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success.”

Read below for all the reactions.

Carlos Santana told our sister publication Billboard:

“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.”

Dionne Warwick said in a statement:

“Clive Davis, what is there to say?

“My dear friend lived a more than promised allotted time and made each moment count.

“I am truly going to miss him. He always wanted to know ‘where’s my Dionne?’  I referred to him as the brown shoe, white sock record executive.  I can think of no other record man that seemed to have that magical ability to know a hit when he heard a song.  

“The entire music industry I’m sure will mourn his passing.  He was one of a kind.”

Grammy-winner Ray Parker Jr., who wrote the enduring Ghostbusters theme song, said in a statement: “I considered Clive a personal friend even outside of music as he spent hours teach me how to live life! He also, while sick these last few weeks, wrote me the nicest, heartfelt letter for my birthday on May 1^st. I love you Clive, always! You blessed us all!!!” 

Rob Stringer, Chairman, Sony Music Group, said in a statement: “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 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.”

Gladys Knight said in a statement on social media: “He was an icon and did so much for so many. There will never be another Clive — it was an honor to perform at and attend his pre-Grammy events and I’m so happy I was at recent ones. He and Whitney are together again and the heavens are singing.”