90s

Shaping an Era: Clive Davis and the Evolution of Arista Records

The departure of Don Ienner, Arista’s executive vice president and general manager, in 1989 to assume the presidency of Columbia Records under Tommy Mottola marked a significant moment in the music industry. Ienner had been instrumental in Arista’s success, and his move mirrored a recurring trend where executives nurtured at Arista moved on to leadership roles elsewhere, underscoring Clive Davis’s ability to cultivate industry leaders. Despite such transitions, Davis consistently fortified his executive team to ensure resilience. Under his guidance, the Arista team featured talented leaders like Roy Lott, Rick Bisceglia, and specialists across marketing, publicity, and A&R.

 

As the 1990s began, Arista enjoyed a robust roster of talent, including Whitney Houston, Kenny G, and burgeoning successes like LaFace Records. Davis’s emphasis on high standards and musical diversity remained a cornerstone of Arista’s strategy. Rejecting labels like “pop label,” he clarified that Arista pursued “pop success” across genres, with artists such as the Grateful Dead, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox, and the Notorious B.I.G., among others.

Cultivating Artists and Unexpected Breakthroughs

Davis’s sharp instincts for unconventional talent bore fruit with acts like the KLF and Crash Test Dummies. The KLF’s acid-house music and unexpected collaboration with Tammy Wynette on “Justified and Ancient” demonstrated Davis’s ability to turn niche sounds into mainstream hits. Similarly, the Canadian band Crash Test Dummies found success with their offbeat track “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” earning Grammy nominations and proving Davis’s knack for identifying potential in unlikely places.

 

On the more mainstream side, Curtis Stigers, a blue-eyed soul singer, became a promising yet ultimately costly signing. Despite his talent and initial chart success with “I Wonder Why,” creative differences and limited commercial returns led to Stigers parting ways with Arista. Nevertheless, his inclusion on the Bodyguard soundtrack yielded financial success, benefiting both artist and label.

Building Long-Term Success: Sarah McLachlan and Lilith Fair

Another defining success was Sarah McLachlan, whose partnership with Arista began with the re-release of her debut album, Touch. Through patience and methodical touring, McLachlan developed a dedicated fan base, culminating in critical acclaim for Fumbling Towards Ecstasy and commercial triumph with Surfacing. Songs like “Angel” and “Building a Mystery” became cultural touchstones. McLachlan’s creation of Lilith Fair, a music festival featuring only female artists and female-led bands, further cemented her legacy, breaking barriers for female artists and becoming a top-grossing music festival, while solidifying her position as a voice for a predominantly female audience.

Pop Powerhouses and Short-Lived Phenomena

Davis also displayed acumen in pop music, identifying hitmakers like Ace of Base. Despite skepticism from other U.S. labels, Davis brought them to Arista, reconfiguring their album Happy Nation into The Sign. With hits like “All That She Wants” and “The Sign,” the album achieved massive success, becoming the best-selling debut pop album in history. However, their follow-up effort, The Bridge, failed to replicate this success, highlighting the challenges of sustaining momentum in the pop market.

Deborah Cox and the Shadow of Whitney Houston

Deborah Cox, an R&B and dance sensation, was another of Davis’s notable signings. Her debut album achieved gold status, and her second album, bolstered by the record-breaking hit “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here,” went platinum. Despite her success, Cox struggled under industry comparisons to Whitney Houston, whom Davis had nurtured. Cox eventually found her niche in dance music and Broadway, showcasing Davis’s ability to guide diverse talent, even if expectations weren’t always met.

Facts About Clive Davis From the Narrative

  1. Leadership Development: Davis cultivated a generation of industry leaders, including Don Ienner, who left Arista for top roles at competing labels.

  2. Diverse Talent Management: He successfully promoted artists across genres, from pop and R&B to alternative and acid-house music.

  3. Whitney Houston’s Legacy: Davis prioritized nurturing and launching Houston’s career, which became a benchmark for other artists.

  4. Patience in Artist Development: With Sarah McLachlan, Davis supported a slow but steady growth strategy, leading to critical and commercial success.

  5. Groundbreaking Initiatives: He supported McLachlan’s Lilith Fair, a pioneering festival for female artists.

  6. Pop Success Stories: Davis orchestrated the success of Ace of Base’s The Sign, showcasing his knack for identifying global hits.

  7. Strategic Use of Remixes: Davis used remixes to enhance artist profiles, exemplified by Deborah Cox’s success in dance music.

  8. Navigating Expectations: Davis managed comparisons and expectations, particularly with artists like Cox, while maintaining respect for their individuality.

 

Sources:

A Taste of Rainmakers: Clive Davis

30 years later, Sarah McLachlan looks back at the album that ‘felt to me like freedom’

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