Clive Davis, the legendary music producer of industry icons from Janis Joplin and Whitney Houston to Billy Joel and Santana, has died. Davis, famously dubbed “the man with the golden ears,” was 94. His family confirmed his death in a social media post.

Legacy

Davis’s family remembered him as both “a towering figure whose influence changed music forever” as well as “the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness.” He was hospitalized in late May for an upper respiratory issue but was discharged earlier this month.

Davis never intended to lead a life in music, let alone shape pop culture’s musical tastes for decades. After his parents died in his late teens, he graduated from Harvard Law School and became a lawyer before going to work for Columbia Records in 1960. Five years later, Davis had ascended to be the record label’s top lawyer and was soon named Columbia’s president.

Davis’ first major signing was Janis Joplin, whom he first saw perform at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. His instinct for talent led Davis to discover and sign eventual megastars like Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, Chicago, Earth, Wind and Fire, Aerosmith, and Barry Manilow.

In a tribute posted to social media on Monday, Springsteen honored his “close friend,” who he said changed his life when the producer signed him to Columbia in his early 20s.

Impact

Davis continued to be active in music until the end of his life, continuing to host his yearly pre-Grammy party the night before the ceremony and holding the title of chief creative officer at Sony Music.

In a statement on Monday, the label paid tribute to Davis, who it said was “responsible for a huge part of the recorded legacy of the company.”

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.