Clive Davis, the record industry executive whose career transformed the commercial landscape of American popular music, died on June 23, 2026, at the age of 94. Davis was renowned for his ability to identify and cultivate talent across genres ranging from rock and soul to pop and R&B, shaping the careers of artists including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, and Alicia Keys.

Davis rose to prominence as president of Columbia Records in the 1960s, where he signed a roster of artists that helped define the counterculture era. He later founded Arista Records in 1974, building it into one of the most successful labels of the late twentieth century. He subsequently served in senior creative roles at RCA Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, remaining active in the industry well into his later decades.

Over the course of his career, Davis was involved in the release of recordings that sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide. His annual pre-Grammy Awards party became one of the most anticipated events on the music industry calendar, symbolizing his sustained influence long after his peers had retired. He received numerous honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer.

Davis published a memoir in 2013 in which he disclosed that he was bisexual, a revelation that drew widespread attention and was seen by many in the entertainment community as a significant personal statement. He continued to work as a creative consultant and talent adviser in subsequent years, maintaining close relationships with artists and label executives alike.