The hugely influential music mogul Clive Davis has died at 94. Davis shaped the music that defined culture for decades, masterminding the careers of stars such as Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Alicia Keys, and many more. His family confirmed his death to the New York Times. Davis had been hospitalized for upper respiratory issues in late May. It is unclear if his passing was related to his earlier health problems. The Brooklyn native began his career in the music industry in the legal department at Columbia Records at age 28. He quickly made a name for himself, becoming president just seven years later in 1967. Davis revolutionized the label by signing artists like Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond, and Aerosmith. He was dismissed from the company in 1973 for alleged misuse of company funds, after which he started his own record company, Arista. The new venture shook the industry after Davis signed Whitney Houston at just 19. Davis was responsible for greenlighting the iconic song “I Will Always Love You,” in the form that’s still played by millions today. In his later years with Arista, he launched the careers of Combs, Keys, and others. Before his death, he was best known for his star-studded Grammy parties, attended annually by music industry legends, CEOs, and world leaders. Davis is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and his partner, Greg Schriefer.
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