Music Industry Icon Clive Davis Dies At 94

• Legendary music industry executive Clive Davis, who founded Arista — and later — J Records, discovered and signed Whitney Houston, and steered Columbia Records, Arista and J Records to the pinnacle of the pop music business, died Monday at his Manhattan home, Variety has confirmed. He was 94.

 In the late ’60s, Davis lucratively moved Columbia Records into the rock business, signing or developing such talents as Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana and Bruce Springsteen. In 1974, Davis launched Arista Records, where he famously signed 19-year-old Whitney Houston in 1983.

As Variety notes, “A quarter century later, following an awkward merger between parent companies Sony and Bertelsmann, an attempt to push him out of Arista and into retirement resulted instead in his third act with J, a new imprint best known for launching singer-songwriter Alicia Keys.”

“Noted for his personal elegance, extravagant style and love of the limelight, Davis for years hosted a lavish annual Grammy Week party that was the music business’ most coveted social ducat. The event, featuring live performances by marquee names and loquaciously MCed by Davis, became an official Recording Academy function in 2009.”

For more details about Mr. Davis’ extraordinary life and career, may we direct you to our friend Chris Morris‘ excellent coverage in Variety.