Mariah Carey, Michael Buble, Carlos Santana mourn death of Clive Davis
Mariah Carey and Barry Manilow are among the music artists who mourned the death of Clive Davis, one of the industry’s most powerful figures who launched or resurrected the careers of artists ranging from Whitney Houston to Carlos Santana.
Santana on Monday called Davis “a visionary.” Manilow said music wasn’t just business to Davis, “it was family.” Michael Bublé said the music executive “believed in people and their dreams.” Patti Smith thanked Davis for a half century of “love and support.”
Davis died Monday in his Manhattan apartment. A statement from the family says Davis “discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.”
Davis was 94.
Here’s some reaction to Davis’ death and his legacy.
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Barry Manilow
“My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis. For fifty years we worked together, created together, argued together, and celebrated together. Yes, some would say it was business. But to Clive, it never was. It was family. And I was honored to be a part of his.” — on X.
“My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis. For fifty years we worked together, created together, argued together, and celebrated together. Yes, some would say it was business.But to Clive, it never was.It was family.And I was honored to be a part of his.…
— Barry Manilow (@barrymanilow) June 22, 2026
Alicia Keys
“To Clive Davis, the visionary who transformed dreams into reality, leaving an indelible mark on music and lives worldwide.” — on Instagram.
Carlos Santana
“Clive Davis was a visionary. He could hear the intangible before anyone else could see it. He believed in Santana from the beginning, and years later he believed in us again. That kind of faith is a beautiful blessing, and I will always be grateful.
“Clive understood that music is more than entertainment. Music is a healing force. It brings people together beyond fear, beyond separation, beyond borders. He dedicated his life to championing artists and helping them share their gifts with the world.
“Clive recognized the light in people. He encouraged artists to trust their own voice and step into their destiny. Because of his vision, countless musicians were able to reach hearts across the planet.” — in a statement.
Patti Smith
“This is thanking Clive Davis for transforming music, and on a very personal note, for believing in me, shepherding my efforts and a half century of your love and support,” — on Instagram.
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Rod Stewart
“I owe Clive so much. The force behind J Records, he was the only one who believed a rock singer could sing the standards with conviction. Other labels rejected the idea, and so The Great American Songbook was born, selling close to 40 million copies.” — on Instagram
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Bruce Springsteen
At 22 years old, he changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records. He treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success. A great man. — on Instagram.
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Dionne Warwick
“I can think of no other record man that seemed to have that magical ability to know a hit when he heard a song. The entire music industry I’m sure will mourn his passing. He was one of a kind.” — in a statement.
Michael Bublé
“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Clive Davis. Clive wasn’t just a music legend, he was a champion of artists and someone who believed in people and their dreams. Forever grateful for his guidance, his generosity, and the opportunities he gave so many of us.” — on X.
Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Clive Davis. Clive wasn’t just a music legend, he was a champion of artists and someone who believed in people and their dreams. Forever grateful for his guidance, his generosity, and the opportunities he gave so many of us. Rest in peace❤️ pic.twitter.com/SOP9iZ4zyv
— Michael Bublé (@MichaelBuble) June 22, 2026
Paul Stanley
“The music world and all those who have loved music for 6 decades have lost the visionary and champion of so many artists in so many genres. A one of a kind genius.” — on X.
RIP CLIVE DAVIS. The music world and all those who have loved music for 6 decades have lost the visionary and champion of so many artists in so many genres. A one of a kind genius. My condolences to his entire family. pic.twitter.com/6DfcMf5xMW
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) June 22, 2026
Stephen Bishop, songwriter and guitarist
“Clive did so much for artists and for the music business as a whole. He was truly one of a kind and lived an incredibly full and remarkable life. If you knew him, you knew he genuinely cared about artists. He could be tough, but he was always fair.” — on X.
Today is a very sad day. I just learned that my friend Clive Davis has passed away.Over the years, Clive always found the time to talk on the phone, answer an email, and stay in touch. Later in life, even though he never signed me, he wanted to—we just never found the right… pic.twitter.com/o2E0PrZbYK
— Stephen Bishop (@BishSongs) June 22, 2026
Mariah Carey
“Rest in Peace to the legendary Clive Davis, a titan of the industry and a true champion of great music.” – on Instagram Story.
Dianne Warren
“Dear Clive, losing You today feels like losing my father. Because you were always family to me. It was my Dad who believed in me in the very beginning, it was you who never stopped believing in me,” on Instagram.
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