The music world is abuzz over the death of Clive Davis. An iconic figure in the music industry, he helped launched notable music superstars like Whitney Houston and resurrected the careers of others such as Carlos Santana and Rod Stewart. He died today at the age of 94.
Per Associated Press, earlier this year, Davis was hospitalized following an upper respiratory issue and was released a few days later. His death, in his Manhattan apartment, was confirmed by his publicist Aliza Rabinoff, who also shared a statement from his family.
“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,” the statement read.
Of queer interest, Davis came out as bisexual in his 2013 memoir The Soundtrack of My Life where he opened up about living with a man. While heterosexual during his earlier life and two marriages, after a failed second marriage, he opened himself up to relationships regardless of binary gender.
Read Associated Press’ full obituary along with his historic legacy in music here.
–Rich Lopez