Industry

Music Icon Clive Davis Passes Away at 94

Clive Davis, the Grammy-winning record producer and executive who led Columbia, Arista, and J Records, died peacefully in his Manhattan home on Monday at the age of 94. His impactful 50-year career shaped the pop music business, selling mil

Variety Music·Jun 22, 2026·via Variety Music

Music Icon Clive Davis Passes Away at 94

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Jun 22, 2026 8:41am PT

Clive Davis, Grammy-Winning Record Producer and Music Executive, Dies at 94

By Chris Morris

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Chris Morris

Music Reporter

@CeeMo100

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Clive Davis , the executive who steered Columbia, Arista and J Records to the pinnacle of the pop music business, died Monday at his Manhattan home, Variety has confirmed. He was 94.

Befitting a dramatic 50-year career that accounted for the sale of millions of records, Davis’ life in the music industry divided into three distinct acts.

In the late ‘60s, Davis lucratively moved staid Columbia into the rock business, signing or developing such talents as Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana and Bruce Springsteen. But he was ejected from the company in 1973 for allegedly misusing corporate funds, and pleaded guilty to tax evasion.