Music industry titan Clive Davis was en route to a concert by the band Air Supply, whom he signed in 1980, when he was rushed to the hospital weeks before his death on June 22. The 94-year-old executive, remembered for his "golden ears," had been actively engaged in the music scene, with friends noting he was often out "seven nights a week."
Davis's final outing before his hospitalization occurred on May 29. He was traveling with theater columnist Michael Riedel to see Air Supply perform in New Jersey. Riedel had arranged the outing after connecting with the band's manager, as Air Supply was eager to reconnect with Davis, who had been instrumental in their early career. Davis had signed the Australian duo to Arista Records in 1980 after hearing their song "Lost in Love."
During the drive, Davis's partner, Greg Schriefer, received a call from Davis's doctor, who advised immediate hospitalization based on recent test results. Riedel exited the car near the Holland Tunnel, and Davis and Schriefer proceeded to a Manhattan hospital. Riedel then attended the concert to inform the band that Davis could not make it.
Air Supply later posted on Facebook, acknowledging Davis's pivotal role in their career. "His vision and incredible ability to place the right song with the right artist was simply amazing. We would not have had the career we enjoy if not for him," the band stated. They also confirmed that Davis "was on his way to see us in Carteret, New Jersey, last month when he experienced a medical emergency in his vehicle and had to be rushed to the hospital."
Despite the health scare, Davis remained engaged. Bruce Springsteen, whom Davis discovered at age 22, recounted at Davis's memorial service that the executive had attended his tour as recently as a few months prior. "He's 94 years old, he's standing up for a three-hour show," Springsteen noted, adding that Davis had a history of never missing his tours.
Barry Manilow also shared anecdotes, including how Davis influenced his 1970s hit "Mandy." Manilow recalled Davis's persistent encouragement and creative input, which continued even weeks before his death. "He had this idea about an album he wanted me to record… he was so hung up on this idea, he called me twice and three times a day," Manilow said. "You know when that happened? Three weeks ago!"
Davis's memorial service, held at Manhattan's Central Synagogue, was attended by numerous notable figures from the music and entertainment industries, including Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Ja Rule, Nancy Pelosi, Adrien Brody, Jennifer Hudson, Dave Davies of The Kinks, Mark Ronson, LL Cool J, Usher, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, Denise Rich, and Kenny G.