I’m told A list stars will participate in Clive Davis funeral next week.
So far they include Bruce Springsteen, Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, and Kenny G.
This may sound like an unusual funeral, but for Clive this is nirvana. A music man, he was also a show man, and loved to showcase his artists. He was very proud of them.
Each of these artists represents a key moment in his six decade career.
Bruce Springsteen was signed by John Hammond at Columbia, but it was Clive’s advice that made the first album, “Greetings from Asbury Park,” stand out. Bruce has said in countless interviews that Clive advised him to move around on stage. Clive also sent Bruce home to write two singles. They were “Blinded by the Light” and “Spirit in the Night.”
Alicia Keys was signed by Clive to his new J Records label in 2000 after Sony Music didn’t want her. He shepherded her first album to 2 million in sales and the start of a 25 year career.
Dionne Warwick was already a star from the 1960s when Clive revived her career at Arista Records with hits like “Deja Vu” and “Heartbreaker.”
Barry Manilow and Kenny G were Arista staples Jennifer Hudson lost “American Idol” but won a contract at Arista. Clive believed in her so much that she became the star of the Aretha Franklin biopic, “Respect.” They had mutual respect.
Believe me, if Aretha and Whitney Houston were still with us, they’d be front and center at that funeral.
Stay tuned…there will be more to celebrate the incredible life of this man…
Keep refreshing…
