Musical artists and public figures gathered Monday at Central Synagogue in Manhattan to honor Clive Davis, the legendary music mogul who died last week at age 94. Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, and Jennifer Hudson were among the notable attendees who shared their memories of Davis, credited with shaping the careers of numerous iconic artists.
Keys, who was helped by Davis to launch her career, became emotional during her speech, weeping as she read a letter to the late mogul. "You saw something in me that I was just beginning to see in myself," she recalled, referencing her first meeting with Davis when she was 15.
Bruce Springsteen reflected on Davis's impact, describing him as "big, bombastic and brave." The Boss recounted his first meeting with Davis in 1979, recalling the executive's simple words after an audition: "Welcome to Columbia Records." Springsteen stated, "In those few words, he changed my life forever."
Jennifer Hudson delivered a performance that included Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and a rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You." Other attendees included Stevie Wonder, Ja Rule, Adrien Brody, Hoda Kotb, and Gayle King.
Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl noted that Davis, a record company lawyer who became one of modern music's most influential figures, would have appreciated the star-studded farewell. Davis was instrumental in the careers of artists such as Whitney Houston, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Kelly Clarkson, Aretha Franklin, and Santana. He also helped revitalize the careers of established artists and guided the success of musicians like Barry Manilow and Dionne Warwick.
Manilow shared how Davis encouraged him to record "Brandy," which became the hit "Mandy," while Warwick recalled Davis's suggestion to collaborate with Manilow, leading to the platinum-selling album "Dionne."
Davis died peacefully at his Manhattan home last Monday from an age-related illness. He is survived by four children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
