Books and Documentaries

Dive Into the Life and Legacy of Clive Davis

Clive Davis’s extraordinary journey through the music industry has been immortalized in powerful books and documentaries that offer a deeper look at his life, career, and profound influence on music. These works not only chronicle the milestones of his career but also provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the relationships, risks, and resilience that shaped his legacy.

 

From his acclaimed autobiography, “The Soundtrack of My Life,” to feature documentaries that bring his story to life, these resources are a celebration of a man whose vision and passion have changed the face of music.

Clive Davis delves into the experiences and lessons that have shaped his life and career in two books, written at different stages of his life.

  •  Clive: Inside the Record Business (1975) This book offers insights into Davis’s early career and his role in shaping the music industry during his time at Columbia Records and Arista Records, and provides an insider’s look at the music business during the 1960s and 1970s.

  • The Soundtrack of My Life (2013) This autobiography chronicles Davis’s life and career, highlighting his work with iconic artists like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and many others. It explores his influence on the music industry and his personal journey.

 

Throughout his life, Clive Davis has told his story in his own words in several documentaries.

  • Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives (2017) Premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2017, this documentary, based on Davis’s autobiography The Soundtrack of My Life, chronicles his incredible journey in the music industry, featuring interviews with artists like Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, and Aretha Franklin.

  • Whitney: Can I Be Me (2017) This documentary explores the life and career of Whitney Houston, one of the most iconic artists Davis discovered and mentored. Davis provides insight into her rise to fame and their professional relationship.

  • Whitney (2018) This Whitney Houston documentary delves deeper into her personal life, career, and struggles, featuring commentary from Clive Davis about his role in her success.

 

Hear Clive Davis discuss “The Soundtrack of My Life.”

 

 

 

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