Clive Davis: Music mogul who launched Whitney Houston’s career dies aged 94

Music mogul Clive Davis, who helped launch Whitney Houston’s career, has died aged 94, his family have said.

The award-winning producer shaped the industry over the course of his nearly five-decade career, signing and mentoring a number of artists across genres including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys.

Davis was reportedly taken to hospital in May after an upper respiratory issue and was discharged a few days later. He was also diagnosed in 2021 with the neurological condition Bell’s palsy.

A post on the producer’s Instagram account, on behalf of the Davis family, said: “To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives.

“He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.”

Davis signed Houston when she was a teenager and helped build her career with hits including I Wanna Dance With Somebody, How Will I Know, and her chart topping rendition of I Will Always Love You.

Houston became one of the top-selling artists in pop history. She died in 2012.

They became close friends and the music executive was portrayed by The Devil Wears Prada star Stanley Tucci in the 2022 musical biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

He was also responsible for signing stars such as Patti Smith and Lou Reed as well as shaping the careers of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

The statement continued: “To his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the center of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love. No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved.

“Through every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive’s greatest pride and deepest joy. Today, we celebrate not only a towering figure whose influence changed music forever, but the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness. We will miss him greatly, cherish him always, and carry his love with us for the rest of our lives.”