The music world gathered on Monday, June 29, 2026, to bid a final farewell to legendary music executive and producer Clive Davis, who died on June 22 at the age of 94. The service was held at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan.
Attendees included a constellation of stars from the music industry and beyond, such as Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Adrien Brody, Gayle King, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Davis, known for his decades-long career, was instrumental in launching and shaping the careers of numerous iconic artists, including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, and Carrie Underwood.
His family released a statement remembering him as both a "towering figure" in music and a beloved father and grandfather. "To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives," the statement read. "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."
Davis, who served as the former president of Columbia Records and chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment, famously came out as bisexual in 2013. He had been in a long-term relationship with real estate agent Greg Schriefer. Davis is survived by his four children—Fred, Lauren, Mitchell, and Doug—and eight grandchildren.
His last public appearance was on May 19, 2026, at The Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner and Auction in New York City, where he was seated with Alicia Keys. The notes also mention Davis was hospitalized for an upper respiratory infection the month prior to his death but was discharged days later.