Clive Davis, the renowned music executive, passed away at 94. He was celebrated for fostering deep, trusting relationships with the artists he represented. His mutual respect for artists allowed him to shape their careers and had a lasting impact on his own.
Janis Joplin
Davis played a pivotal role in the career of Janis Joplin. After becoming president of Columbia Records at 35, he attended the Monterey Pop Festival, seeking new talent. He discovered Big Brother & The Holding Company, featuring Joplin, facing his first major decision: to sign her based on instinct. He did so, and his life transformed. Davis persuaded Joplin to release an edited single, “Piece of My Heart,” ensuring airplay and pushed her towards a solo career. Following Joplin’s death in 1970, Davis found her recording of “Me and Bobby McGee” from the sessions of “Pearl,” which achieved posthumous acclaim.
Carlos Santana
Davis signed Santana in 1968, leading to hits like “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” with a legendary Woodstock performance in 1969. Decades later, Davis suggested Santana make an album combining original work and collaborations, resulting in 1999’s Grammy-winning “Supernatural”. Santana credited Davis for believing in his music twice.
Bruce Springsteen
Davis signed Springsteen to Columbia Records in 1972, believing he was more than a Bob Dylan imitator. He saw him as a “poet warrior” and top performer. Springsteen reworked his debut album to include singles “Blinded by the Light” and “Spirit in the Night” upon Davis’s advice. Davis advised Springsteen to utilize the stage fully during performances, which helped shape his live act.
Whitney Houston
Houston was Davis’s closest artistic association. Meeting her at a New York club, hearing “The Greatest Love of All,” he was stunned. Davis signed her to Arista in 1983, carefully crafting her debut album over two years, resulting in a best-selling record. Houston’s team insisted on a “key man” clause in her contract ensuring her exit if Davis left. He played a vital role in shaping her contribution to “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, retaining a minimalistic arrangement of “I Will Always Love You.”
The Grateful Dead
Davis was attracted to the Grateful Dead despite their contract with Warner Bros. He signed New Riders of the Purple Sage, featuring Garcia, instead. Later, the Dead joined Arista Records. Bob Weir from the Dead described Davis as a trusted figure. Davis advised them to record only when they were ready, which eventually resulted in their hit “Touch of Grey”.
Alicia Keys
At 15, Keys signed with Columbia Records but felt stifled creatively. Davis, while leaving Arista, helped her exit Columbia, signing her to J Records in 2000. He recognized her potential and allowed creative freedom, leading to “Songs in A Minor,” which won five Grammys. Davis ensured media exposure for Keys, including a call to Oprah Winfrey for promotion.
Kenny G
Despite limited demand for instrumental music in the 1980s, Davis saw potential in Kenny G. Signing him to Arista in 1982, Kenny G became the top-selling instrumental artist. Davis provided direction by arranging collaborations, evidenced by pairing him with Michael Bolton. Kenny G acknowledged Davis’s role in his career success.