Clive Davis, music mogul who shaped Whitney Houston’s career, dead

Music mogul Clive Davis has died at 94.

The famed exec had recently been hospitalized for an upper respiratory infection, The New York Times reported.

The Davis family put out a statement on the music producer’s Instagram, writing, “To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives. He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.”

The statement continued, “To his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the center of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love. No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved.”

“Through every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive’s greatest pride and deepest joy. Today, we celebrate not only a towering figure whose influence changed music forever, but the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness. We will miss him greatly, cherish him always, and carry his love with us for the rest of our lives.” 

Clive Davis has died. He was 94. (Larry Busacca/WireImage)

Davis helped shape the careers of some of the biggest names in music, including Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Carlos Santana, Barry Manilow, Aerosmith, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

“I didn’t necessarily have an ear, but I think I developed one,” he told Playboy in 2013. “Whether there was a natural ear that was triggered, I don’t know the answer to that. But when you see a Joplin or a Springsteen, you know. And the statistics start mounting and give you confidence. You think, ‘My God, yeah, I did say yes to Santana.'”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.