Clive Davis dies: remembering the iconic music executive behind top stars | FOX 10 Talks

Music legend and executive Clive Davis has passed away in his 90s. Known as one of the greatest music executives of all time, Davis possessed a rare ability to recognize talent, match songs, and deploy business acumen to guide artists to massive commercial success. A music industry expert joined FOX to reflect on the legacy of the legendary executive who shaped the careers of some of the greatest icons in music history. On FOX 10 Talks, music industry expert Jem Aswad, Music Executive Editor at Variety, highlighted how Davis worked closely with monumental artists like Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, and Barry Manilow. Davis famously rebooted the career of Carlos Santana in 1999 by pairing him with contemporary hitmakers like Rob Thomas and Lauryn Hill, which resulted in one of the biggest selling records of all time. The expert noted that Davis also influenced Bruce Springsteen early in his career, advising him to write radio-ready tracks, which led to songs like "Blinded by the Light." The narrative also traced his impact on other legendary acts including Simon & Garfunkel, Janis Joplin, Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, and Kelly Clarkson. The music industry expert shared an inside story demonstrating how Davis commanded authority in the studio to protect his artists' tracks, such as a dispute over a song involving the rapper Everlast. Ultimately, the expert concluded that while the music industry has changed in the 21st century.