Skip to content
Portrait of Clive Davis

Clive Davis

Clive Jay Davis

Clive Davis is an American music executive from New York City, New York active since 1960.

Profession
Record executive, Producer
From
New York City, New York
Born
April 4, 1932
Years active
1960–present

Early life

A Brooklyn native and Harvard-trained lawyer, Clive Davis rose to lead Columbia Records in the 1960s before founding Arista.

Career

He signed and guided Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Santana, and Alicia Keys, becoming the industry's most celebrated A&R impresario across six decades.

Major achievements

He is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the most legendary executives in recording history.

Legacy

Clive Davis defined the role of the star-making record executive across generations of popular music.

References

Related personalities