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There is little questions thatClive Davis, who died today at the age of 94, was one of the greatest music executives of all time. Over the course of his long career, he launched or oversaw key years of artists ranging
from Whitney Houston to Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen to Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow to Aretha Franklin, Simon & Garfunkel to Santana, and many more.
As news of his death resonated on Monday, many of those artists posted tributes to him.
Bruce Springsteen: “Over here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend Clive Davis. At 22 years old, he changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records. He treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success. A great man. All our prayers and love.”
Carlos Santana: “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.
“We send our deepest love and blessings to his family and to all who were touched by his life.
“Peace, love, and light, Carlos Santana.”
Barry Manilow: “My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis. For fifty years we worked together, created together, argued together, and celebrated together. Yes, some would say it was business. But to Clive, it never was. It was family. And I was honored to be a part of his. Thank you Clive. I wish we could do it all again.”
Alicia Keys posted a photo of the two of them together which reads:
“To Clive Davis, the visionary who transformed dreams into reality, leaving aindeible mark on music and lives worldwide — Alicia Keys”
Ray Parker Jr., who scored a massive hit on Davis’ Arista Records with the 1984 theme song to the film “Ghostbusters,” wrote: “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 1st. I love you Clive, always! You blessed us all!!!”
