business
Clive Davis, music industry starmaker, has died at 94
By By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY and MARIA SHERMAN at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 22, 2026
· 8 min read
NEW YORK (AP) Clive Davis, the record company lawyer who became one of the music industry's most powerful figures, launching or resurrecting the careers of such superstars as Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys, has died, his family confirmed. He was 94.Davis died in hi...
Key takeaway Davis died in his Manhattan apartment, weeks after being hospitalized for an upper respiratory issue, his publicist Aliza Rabinoff said.
Why this matters in The Detroit
In Detroit , a city with a rich musical heritage, Clive Davis' passing resonates deeply. As a hub for Motown, the city has long been a launching pad for talented artists, and Davis' influence can be seen in the careers of many who got their start here. His commitment to supporting Black artists, evident in his work with Gamble and Huff, among others, helped pave the way for Detroit's own legendary musicians, such as Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. Davis' legacy extends beyond the individual artists he mentored, too, as his vision for the music industry helped shape the sound of generations to come. In a city where music is woven into the fabric of everyday life, Davis' impact will continue to be felt, inspiring new artists and industry leaders to emerge from the Detroit scene. His memory will be honored through the countless lives he touched.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 8 min
Get more The Detroit stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering business and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NEW YORK (AP) Clive Davis, the record company lawyer who became one of the music industry's most powerful figures, launching or resurrecting the careers of such superstars as Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys, has died, his family confirmed. He was 94.Davis died in hi...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY and MARIA SHERMAN at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More business →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter