Legendary music executive Clive Davis passed away peacefully at his Manhattan home from an age-related illness at the age of 94. Known as the “man with the golden ears”, he was instrumental in shaping the success of monumental hip-hop figures, launching Arista Records, and signing mega-acts like Whitney Houston.

A former head of Columbia and Arista Records, he signed and shaped the careers of artists including Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Santana, Janis Joplin, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys and so many others.

He had recently been in hospital with respiratory problems and was recovering at home in Manhattan, New York, when he died, his family said.

“To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives,” they said in a statement.

Clive Davis expanded hip-hop’s cultural reach by providing massive corporate funding, executive mentorship, and Top 40 radio validation at a time when major labels still viewed rap as a passing fad.

Davis’ impact on the hip-hop landscape was pretty big by recognizing its commercial potential early and backing pivotal artists and executives:

Bad Boy Records: He struck a landmark joint-venture distribution deal with Sean “Diddy” Combs in the 1990s, helping to catapult hip-hop and R&B into mainstream global dominance.

Co-Founding LaFace Records: In 1989, Davis partnered with L.A. Reid and Babyface to form LaFace Records. While heavily focused on R&B acts like TLC and Usher, this joint venture also became the launching pad for OutKast, injecting Southern hip-hop into the global mainstream.

Even into his later years, Davis used his final imprint, J Records, to continue pushing hip-hop boundaries:

Busta Rhymes: Davis signed Busta Rhymes to J Records in the 2000s, helping transition the veteran MC into a multi-platinum solo force with commercial hits like “Pass the Courvoisier, Part II”.

Alicia Keys: Through his J Records label, he discovered, mentored, and launched the career of the piano-playing R&B and hip-hop soul prodigy.

The Roots & Outkast: Davis fostered an environment that embraced the underground and alternative hip-hop scene, allowing artists pushing the envelope to reach a wider audience.