On Monday morning, family and friends will say goodbye to Clive Davis in New York. The funeral service for the late music manager legend is taking place in a private setting - but as a source revealed to the US magazine "The Hollywood Reporter", numerous world stars that Davis signed during his more than six-decade-long career will appear.
Springsteen, Alicia Keys and Co. pay their final respects
Accordingly, Bruce Springsteen, saxophonist Kenny G, Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys, among others, are expected to attend the ceremony. The insider did not provide further details about the proceedings, according to the "Hollywood Reporter".
Davis passed away on Monday at the age of 94 from an age-related illness. He is survived by his children Fred, Lauren, Mitch and Doug, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his cousin Jo and his partner Greg Schriefer.
From lawyer to the most powerful man in the industry
Davis ranks among the most influential figures in music history. He began his career as a lawyer before rising to the top of Columbia Records. Later, he founded the label Arista Records and signed greats like Manilow, Warwick, Carly Simon and the band Grateful Dead - but most notably Whitney Houston. In 2000, J Records followed, where Davis signed artists like Alicia Keys and Rod Stewart.
Davis was also known for his lavish parties on the eve of the Grammy Awards, where legends and rising stars performed before an audience of industry giants and celebrities.
Moving words from companions
His death triggered a wave of sympathy in the entertainment industry. Dozens of artists, songwriters and companions paid tribute to the manager. Bruce Springsteen wrote on social media that Davis changed his life when he signed him to Columbia Records.
Punk icon Patti Smith also thanked Davis for changing music, believing in her and accompanying her for half a century. Songwriter Diane Warren summed up her grief in conversation with "The Hollywood Reporter": we have lost "the greatest music man of all time".
