Tributes Pour in for Music Mogul Clive Davis

On Monday, the music world gathered to honor the late Clive Davis, a legendary figure in the industry. Alicia Keys, visibly emotional, delivered a heartfelt tribute at an Upper East Side synagogue. She shared how Davis had a significant role in launching her career, even breaking down and needing a handkerchief during her speech.

“I’m not really a cryer. I’m in a weird place,” Keys said, recalling their first meeting when she was just 15. In a touching letter, she expressed, “You saw something in me that I was beginning to see in myself.”

Other music icons like Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Ja Rule, and Stevie Wonder attended the private service. There were performances by Kenny G and Jennifer Hudson, while Bruce Springsteen reflected on the influence Davis had on his career.

Davis, who was instrumental in shaping the careers of stars like Whitney Houston and Kelly Clarkson, passed away at the age of 94 from an illness related to his age. His family confirmed the news last Monday.

Among those remembering Davis were former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and media personalities like Hoda Kotb and Gayle King. Rabbi Angela Wernick Buchdahl told the attendees that Davis would have relished such a star-studded send-off.

Springsteen delivered a poignant eulogy, describing Davis as “big, bombastic, and brave,” and shared a story from their first meeting in 1979. He recalled Davis’s enthusiasm: “I can’t wait to hear it.” Those simple words, Springsteen said, changed his life forever.

Others also shared anecdotes about Davis’s exceptional talent-spotting abilities. Warwick noted her initial hesitation about working with Manilow, a collaboration that led to the acclaimed album “Dionne.” Manilow also credited Davis with inspiring the transformation of the song “Brandy” into the hit “Mandy.”

Hudson performed powerful renditions of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” bringing many to tears. “We love you, Clive,” she said, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd.

Davis leaves behind four children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.