Key Moments
Career Highlights
Clive Davis’s illustrious career in the music industry is marked by numerous significant achievements that have shaped the landscape of popular music. Here is an extensive list of his career highlights:
Early Career and Columbia Records
1967: Appointed President of Columbia Records, where he expanded the label’s roster to include prominent rock acts such as Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, and Aerosmith. (Wikipedia)
Arista Records
1974: Founded Arista Records, signing and nurturing artists like Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston, and Aretha Franklin, significantly impacting their careers. (Wikipedia)
1983: Signed Whitney Houston, who became one of the best-selling artists of all time under his guidance. (Wikipedia)
J Records
2000: Established J Records, achieving success with artists such as Alicia Keys, whose debut album sold over 10 million copies and won multiple Grammy Awards. (Clive Davis)
Leadership Roles
2002: Became Chairman and CEO of the RCA Music Group, overseeing RCA Records, J Records, and Arista Records. (Wikipedia)
2008: Appointed Chief Creative Officer of Sony BMG Worldwide, continuing to influence the company’s creative direction. (Leaders Magazine)
Awards and Honors
Philanthropy
Actively involved in humanitarian efforts, particularly in the fight against AIDS, spearheading donations of millions of dollars to related charities. (Clive Davis)
Landmark Albums
Clive Davis’ visionary leadership has been instrumental in the creation and success of numerous landmark albums across various genres. His ability to identify and nurture talent has resulted in a prolific discography that has significantly shaped the music industry. Below is an extensive list of notable albums associated with his career:
Clive Davis’s visionary leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on the music industry, fostering the careers of numerous iconic artists and continually adapting to the evolving musical landscape.
“Rose Garden” by Lynn Anderson (1970)
Featuring the hit single “(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden.”
“How Can I Unlove You” by Lynn Anderson (1971)
Featuring the hit single “How Can I Unlove You.”
“The Christmas Album” by Lynn Anderson (1971)
A holiday album featuring classic Christmas songs.
“Lost in Love” by Air Supply (1980)
This album includes the hit singles “Lost in Love” and “All Out of Love.”
“The One That You Love” by Air Supply (1981)
This album includes the title track, which became a number one hit.
“Whitney Houston” by Whitney Houston (1985)
This debut album introduced the world to Houston’s exceptional talent, featuring hits like “Saving All My Love for You” and “How Will I Know.” (Wikipedia)
“Friends” by Dionne Warwick (1985)
Featuring the hit single “That’s What Friends Are For.”
“Hearts in Motion” by Air Supply (1986)
Featuring the hit single “Lonely Is the Night.”
“Reservations for Two” by Dionne Warwick (1987)
A duet album featuring collaborations with various artists.
“I’m Your Baby Tonight” by Whitney Houston (1990)
Showcasing a more urban and contemporary sound, featuring the title track and “All the Man That I Need.”
“The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album” (1992)
Featuring Whitney Houston, this soundtrack became the best-selling soundtrack album of all time, with over 45 million copies sold worldwide. It includes the iconic rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” (Wikipedia)
“CrazySexyCool” by TLC (1994)
Under Davis’s leadership at Arista Records, this album became one of the best-selling girl group albums, featuring hits like “Creep” and “Waterfalls.” (Pitchfork)
“The Preacher’s Wife: Original Soundtrack Album” by Whitney Houston (1996)
Featuring the hit single “I Believe in You and Me.”
“My Love Is Your Love” by Whitney Houston (1998)
Featuring the hit singles “It’s Not Right but It’s Okay” and “Heartbreak Hotel.”
“Supernatural” by Santana (1999)
A monumental comeback for Santana, this album sold over 26 million copies worldwide and won nine Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. It features the chart-topping hits “Smooth” and “Maria Maria.” (Wikipedia)
“Luther Vandross” by Luther Vandross (2001)
This self-titled album features the Grammy-winning song “Dance with My Father.”
“Mario” by Mario (2002)
The debut album of the R&B singer, featuring the hit “Just a Friend 2002.”
“Shaman” by Santana (2002)
Includes the hit single “The Game of Love.”
“Measure of a Man” by Clay Aiken (2003)
Aiken’s debut album, which showcased his vocal range and included tracks like “Invisible.”
“As Time Goes By: The Great American Songbook, Volume II” by Rod Stewart (2003)
A collection of classic American songs.
“Stardust: The Great American Songbook, Volume III” by Rod Stewart (2004)
A collection of classic American songs.
“Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson (2004)
This album solidified Clarkson’s status as a pop-rock powerhouse, featuring hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “Behind These Hazel Eyes.”
“All That I Am” by Santana (2005)
Featuring collaborations with various artists.
“The Classic Christmas Album” by Barry Manilow (2005)
A collection of holiday songs.
“The Greatest Songs of the Sixties” by Barry Manilow (2006)
A nostalgic collection of classic hits from the 1960s.
“Still the Same… Great Rock Classics of Our Time” by Rod Stewart (2006)
A collection of classic rock songs.
“I’m in the Mood for Love…The Most Romantic Melodies of All Time” by Kenny G (2006)
A collection of romantic melodies.
“Spirit” by Leona Lewis (2007)
This debut album introduced Lewis’s powerful vocals to the world, featuring the hit single “Bleeding Love.”
“The Greatest Songs of the Seventies” by Barry Manilow (2007)
A collection of 1970s hits.
“The Greatest Songs of the Eighties” by Barry Manilow (2008)
A collection of 1980s hits.
“Echo” by Leona Lewis (2009)
Featuring the hit single “Happy.”
“I Look to You” by Whitney Houston (2009)
A comeback album featuring the title track and “Million Dollar Bill.”
“Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time” by Santana (2010)
A collection of classic rock covers featuring collaborations with various artists.
“The Greatest Love Songs of All Time” by Barry Manilow (2010)
A collection of classic love songs.
“Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics” by Aretha Franklin (2014)
This album features Franklin’s renditions of songs made famous by other female artists, showcasing her versatility and enduring vocal prowess. (Wikipedia)