Overview
- Davis died at his Manhattan home on Monday, June 22, his longtime representative Aliza Rabinoff and his family said.
- The family said he “passed away peacefully from age-related illness” and he had been treated for an upper respiratory issue in late May before being discharged in early June.
- Over six decades Davis rose from Columbia Records lawyer to label president, founded Arista in the 1970s and later J Records, and helped build careers for Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys.
- He is survived by four children, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his longtime partner Greg Schriefer, and the family’s statement has prompted widespread tributes from artists and industry figures.
- Beyond artist development, Davis left institutional marks through his pre-Grammy gala, the Clive Davis Institute at NYU and senior creative roles at major labels, and his death removes a central mentor and gatekeeper in the record business.