The Lasting Power of Clive Davis

These infallible instincts are responsible for some of the most important musical artists in recent history. Davis went on to sign the likes of Santana, Chicago, Billy Joel, Earth, Wind & Fire, Aerosmith, and he brought on Neil Diamond and Pink Floyd, before Dark Side of the Moon was released, to Columbia. It was Aerosmith that immortalized Davis in their song “No Surprise” with the lyrics “Old Clive Davis said he’s surely gonna make you a star, just the way you are.”

He was named the president of Columbia Records when he was just 35, and the label soared in every direction. For R&B, he founded and partnered Philadelphia International Records with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, leading to The O’Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, and “Me and Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paul. He’s credited with sharpening the impact of Miles Davis on young audiences and then signing Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters, Weather Report, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, opening up progressive rock to an important new audience. After a much publicized separation from Columbia Records in 1973 where Davis was dismissed, as the label and industry were traumatized by a payola investigation, Davis founded Arista Records in conjunction with Columbia Pictures. It should be mentioned that no payola was ever found at Columbia Records, and CBS and Columbia Records immediately issued a check for $1 million to secure record club rights to this new company owned and headed by Davis.

The song that launched Arista was Barry Manilow’s single “Mandy,” which immediately went to No. 1 upon its release. At Arista, he later discovered Whitney Houston and signed Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, The Grateful Dead, and Lou Reed. He also joint ventured the LaFace label with L.A. Reid and Babyface, bringing in Outkast, TLC, Usher, and Toni Braxton; and the Bad Boy label, bringing in Puffy Combs and Notorious B.I.G.

Asking Davis which of his artists is his favorite is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. “I’ve had so many memorable artists, so to pick and choose runs a risk of therapy sessions for those not included.”

BMG eventually came to control Arista, and as Davis’ years progressed, the powers that be at the corporation tried to change his role to that of a corporate chairman. Davis resisted this and BMG, knowing that Davis was still at the peak of his powers (Santana’s Supernatural album, co-produced by Davis, had just won eight Grammys and sold more than 25 million albums) funded a new label for Davis, J Records, with a $150 million investment. He brought 10 Arista artists with him—five platinum or multi-platinum—and five artists in development. In addition, almost all of Arista’s senior management came with Davis to constitute J’s senior management. They should be thankful; Davis had just discovered one of the greatest artists to emerge in the new century.