Clive Davis, the music industry veteran who transformed Columbia Records and launched legendary careers, died at 94. His death marks the end of an era for the recording business.

Davis began at Columbia Records in a midlevel position before ascending to become one of music's most powerful executives. This remarkable climb reflected his talent for identifying and nurturing star power across multiple decades.

He shepherded iconic artists including Barry Manilow and Whitney Houston, shaping the sound of popular music from the 1960s onward. These signings generated billions in record sales and influenced countless imitators across the industry.

Davis's influence extended beyond artist development to corporate strategy, helping define how major labels operated during the golden age of recorded music. His legacy includes not just hit records but an entire approach to building sustainable music businesses around singular talents.