Legendary American music executive Clive Davis has died at the age of 94.

Davis died at his home in Manhattan, New York, on 22 June 2026, after recently being hospitalised with respiratory problems.

He was one of the most influential figures in the global music industry, helping shape the careers of some of the biggest artists in history, including Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Santana, Alicia Keys and Bruce Springsteen.

Davis served as president of Columbia Records before later founding Arista Records and J Records.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, he became known as a powerful music tastemaker with an exceptional ability to identify and develop talent.

He won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

Born on 4 April 1932 in Brooklyn, New York, Davis studied at Harvard Law School and initially worked as a lawyer before joining Columbia Records in the 1960s. He became president of the label in 1967.

In 2013, Davis published his memoir, The Soundtrack of My Life, reflecting on his career, personal life and decades at the centre of the music business.

His death marks the end of an era for the music industry, where his influence helped define generations of global stars.