Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Billy Joel and more pay tribute to music executive Clive Davis

Musicians and entertainers from across the industry have paid tribute to Clive Davis following the legendary music executive’s death at the age of 94.

Davis, who founded Arista Records and J Records and helped launch the careers of artists including Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen and Alicia Keys, died yesterday.

Springsteen, who was signed by Davis to Columbia Records early in his career, remembered his longtime friend in a post on Instagram.

“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 out prayers.”

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen)

Billy Joel also paid tribute in a statement, saying:

“Clive Davis convinced me to sign with Columbia Records many years ago. He recognized the talent of great musicians and understood the power of contemporary music.”

“I will always be grateful to Clive for his recognition of the critical importance of songwriting. He undoubtedly enhanced the stature of the music industry during his tenure as president of Columbia Records.”

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Billy Joel (@billyjoel)

Patti Smith, who spent many years with Davis’ label Arista Records, wrote:

“This is thanking Clive Davis for transforming music, and on a very personal note, for believing in me, shepherding my efforts and a half century of your love and support.”

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von This is Patti Smith (@thisispattismith)

Alicia Keys shared a photo of the pair on her Instagram Story alongside the message:

“To Clive Davis, the visionary who transformed dreams into reality, leaving aindeible mark on music and lives worldwide — Alicia Keys”

Jennifer Hudson also shared her memories of Davis on social media.

“I needed a moment…This was a huge blow to wake up to. I know Nobody lives forever, but Clive’s impact and legacy will always live on!“

“Yes, he was the legendary music mogul, but he was family to me. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. You will be missed, Clive ! We will always celebrate your life and legacy.”

I needed a moment…This was a huge blow to wake up to. I know Nobody lives forever, but Clive’s impact and legacy will always live on! Yes, he was the legendary music mogul, but he was family to me. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. You will be missed, Clive ! We… pic.twitter.com/zyxSLaC3TI

— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) June 22, 2026

Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana, who worked with Davis on Santana’s 1999 album Supernatural, reflected on their long relationship.

“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.”

“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.”

Singer and actress Dionne Warwick also remembered Davis in a statement.

“Clive Davis, what is there to say? My dear friend lived a more than promised allotted time and made each moment count. I am truly going to miss him.”

“He always wanted to know ‘where’s my Dionne?’ I referred to him as the brown shoe, white sock record executive. I can think of no other record man that seemed to have that magical ability to know a hit when he heard a song. The entire music industry I’m sure will mourn his passing. He was one of a kind.”