First, the Clive Davis music legend story is making massive headlines today. Therefore, music fans around the world are talking about his death at age 94. He was a giant executive who shaped the careers of Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, and Janis Joplin.
In the news, famous friends claim that for Davis, “the artist always comes first.” However, I must challenge this sweet PR spin! Many blogs will just repeat this nice idea. But, basic logic tells us the truth about the record business.
The music industry is very ruthless. An executive does not build a billion-dollar empire just by being nice. In reality, the hit song and the money always come first. For example, Davis was famously fired from Columbia Records early in his career over money issues. He was a fierce corporate boss who knew exactly how to sell records. Because of this, we must respect his sharp business mind, but we cannot pretend he was just a gentle, selfless friend.
Despite the tough business, his ear for a hit song was truly amazing. He won five Grammy Awards. Furthermore, he helped countless stars reach the top of the charts across all genres. Similarly, surviving in this tough music business takes a huge toll on the human body. We saw this reality recently when we discussed the Daryl Braithwaite live shows retirement, showing how hard a long career truly is.
Finally, Davis leaves behind a massive cultural mark. You can read more about his official history and awards on CBS News. Ultimately, music history will never forget him. Let us know your favorite artist that he discovered in the comments below!
Trusted by brands & partners
Select a Station