HOLLYWOOD, CA (CelebrityAccess) – Clive Davis is the epitome of a record industry icon. His unparalleled success, influence, longevity, and the countless artists and executives he has mentored make him a singular figure in the music world. In a rare and insightful interview, the legendary executive joins MUBUTV’s Music Business Insider Podcast with Ritch Esra and Eric Knight to talk about his life and his over 50-year career in music. Davis opens up about his personal struggles and triumphs, offering a glimpse into the key artists and moments that have defined his extraordinary journey in the industry.
Davis recounts the profound impact of losing both parents during his teenage years and his remarkable rise in the music industry. He shares stories from the 1960s’ vibrant yet tumultuous music scene, his ascent to President of Columbia Records, and the transformative experience of attending the Monterey Pop Festival. Davis explains his struggles and how he boldly redefined Columbia Records, shifting it from a MOR label to a trailblazer in contemporary music through revolutionary signings like Janis Joplin, Laura Nyro, Sly & the Family Stone, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Chicago, Santana, Billy Joel, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bruce Springsteen, and Aerosmith, among others.
Davis also explores his reasons for launching Arista in 1974 and achieving immediate success with their first release, “Mandy” by Barry Manilow. He talks about signing Ray Parker Jr., Patti Smith, and Whitney Houston and touches on the creation of Arista Nashville, LaFace, and J Records. Through J Records, he discovered Alicia Keys and later signed artists like Busta Rhymes, Maroon 5, D’Angelo, and Luther Vandross.
Throughout the interview, Davis outlines his criteria for signing artists, emphasizing both creative and non-creative factors. He discusses the crucial role of songs in propelling an artist’s career and much, much more. The Clive Davis Interview, exclusively on MUBUTV’s Music Business Insider Podcast, is below.
