At a memorial service in New York City, family members and companions of the late Clive Davis (1932-2026) gathered at the Central Synagogue to say goodbye. Davis passed away on June 22 at the age of 94 from an age-related illness, as a spokesperson confirmed to US media. Clive Davis is considered one of the most influential figures in modern music history. He discovered Whitney Houston (1963-2012), among others, and shaped the careers of stars like Alicia Keys (45) and Bruce Springsteen (76).
Several music stars gathered in New York City on June 29 to pay their respects. Among the mourners, in addition to Springsteen and Keys, were Barry Manilow (83), Dionne Warwick (85), Kenny G (70), Jennifer Hudson (44), Stevie Wonder (76), and rapper Ja Rule (50). Other celebrities in attendance included Hollywood star Adrien Brody (53), former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (86), as well as well-known television hosts Hoda Kotb (61) and Gayle King (71).
Bruce Springsteen has "only ever experienced love from Clive"
In addition to performances by Kenny G and Hudson, according to the US magazine "People", there were speeches by Warwick, Manilow, Keys and Springsteen, as well as by Davis' sons Fred and Doug. Manilow spoke about a lobectomy that had to be performed on him due to lung cancer. "A few months ago, surgeons removed part of my lung. Last week, I lost part of my heart", he said.
Davis didn't just love music, Springsteen explained: "Clive also loved the people who made that music, no matter how difficult they might have been". He loved them wholeheartedly. "He let me know that he always felt that way about me. And I loved him too. I have only ever experienced love from Clive", the musician recalled.
