Rod Stewart

Reviving a Legend: Rod Stewart and the Great American Songbook Project

Clive Davis’s Approach to Reinventing Careers

Building on his success with revitalizing artists like Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and Carlos Santana, Clive Davis turned his focus to Rod Stewart. Recognizing Stewart’s world-class talent and the waning commercial performance of his recent albums, Davis saw an opportunity to restore the artist’s career through a carefully crafted concept project.

 

A Bold New Direction: The Great American Songbook

Rod Stewart’s Great American Songbook series became a hallmark of Davis’s ability to pair legendary artists with innovative concepts that reignited their careers.

The Concept

Davis identified a gap in the market for well-executed collections of timeless standards. He emphasized the importance of co-starring with the songs, ensuring that Stewart’s unmistakable voice complemented the material. The project aimed to create an album that would appeal to a broad audience, from devoted fans to a new generation unfamiliar with the Great American Songbook.

Defining Success Criteria

Davis insisted on:

  • Using only well-known, beloved standards.

  • Avoiding obscure or filler material.

  • Maintaining an uplifting, danceable tempo (“Fred and Ginger” style).

  • Featuring world-class musicians and producers to deliver polished, accessible tracks.

The Execution

  1. Collaborative Process

  • Producers: Richard Perry and Phil Ramone.

  • Musicians: Top-tier artists like Dave Koz, Michael Brecker, and Arturo Sandoval.

  • Davis worked extensively in the studio, ensuring each track aligned with his vision.

  1. Marketing and Launch

  • A high-profile launch at the St. Regis Hotel created buzz.

  • Innovative marketing strategies included a major TV campaign, targeting tastemakers and lifestyle audiences.

  • The album became a soundtrack for social settings like dinner parties and boutique shopping experiences.

Commercial Success and Evolution

Commercial Success and Evolution

  1. It Had to Be You (2002)

  • Sold over 3 million copies in the U.S. alone.

  • Nominated for a Grammy and marked a triumphant return for Stewart.

  1. As Time Goes By (2003)

  • Featured duets with Cher and Queen Latifah.

  • Achieved over 2 million in U.S. sales, cementing the series’ popularity.

  1. Stardust (2004)

  • Introduced duets with artists like Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder.

  • Won a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

  1. Thanks for the Memory (2005)

  • Pushed creative boundaries with duet partners like Diana Ross, Elton John, and Chaka Khan.

  • Continued the streak of commercial success, contributing to a boxed set release.

  1. Fly Me to the Moon (2010)

  • The final volume of the series. While not as commercially impactful as earlier volumes, it solidified the project as a cultural phenomenon.

Legacy and Impact

  1. Cultural Significance

The Great American Songbook series introduced classic standards to a new generation, with total worldwide sales exceeding 18 million copies.

  1. Rod Stewart’s Reinvention

The project redefined Stewart’s career, proving his versatility as an artist and expanding his audience. Stewart’s live performances incorporated the Songbook material, blending rock and classic styles.

  1. Commercial and Artistic Achievement

  • Five volumes of the Songbook series demonstrated Davis’s ability to craft enduring pop franchises.

  • The project highlighted the power of pairing timeless songs with a distinctive voice, achieving both commercial success and artistic credibility.

Facts About Clive Davis from the Story

  1. Davis excels in reviving legendary careers, previously reinvigorating artists like Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and Carlos Santana.

  2. He identified the commercial potential of pairing Rod Stewart with the Great American Songbook, leveraging Stewart’s distinctive voice and the timeless appeal of the material.

  3. Davis’s insistence on a cohesive concept, well-known songs, and top-tier production guided the project to success.

  4. His hands-on involvement included late-night studio sessions, marketing innovations, and meticulous oversight of every track.

  5. Davis’s strategic vision turned the Great American Songbook series into a global phenomenon, selling over 18 million copies worldwide.

  6. He demonstrated the importance of adapting classic music for modern audiences, creating a must-have collection that became a cultural staple.

 

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