Clive Davis, music mogul, dies in New York City at age 94

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Music mogul Clive Davis passed away in New York City at age 94.

His family reports that he passed away peacefully from age-related illness at his home in Manhattan, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Born on April 4, 1932, Davis grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He lost both his parents as a teenager, but went on to graduate from New York University and Harvard Law School on full scholarships.

He would go on to hold some of the most prestigious titles in the music industry, becoming president of Columbia Records in 1967 before founding Arista Records in 1974.

Davis was credited for the rise of several major artists. The list includes:
Janis Joplin, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Chicago, Carlos Santana, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, Earth, Wind & Fire, Simon & Garfunkel, Sly & The Family Stone, Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston, Gil Scott-Heron, Patti Smith, Foo Fighters, Sarah McLachlan, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox, The Kinks, The Grateful Dead, Dionne Warwick, Carly Simon, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Toni Braxton, Notorious B.I.G., Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, Luther Vandross, Rod Stewart, Kenny G, Usher and Jennifer Hudson.

It was his Arista Records where he evitalized the careers of many artists including Aretha Franklin, who landed back at the top of the chart's in the 1980's with songs like "Freeway of Love," and where he discovered one of the greatest stars of all time, Whitney Houston.

He discovered that dynamite voice at her mother's church in Newark and introduced her to the world on "The Merv Griffin Show."

In 2000, Davis started J Records, where he introduced the world to Alicia Keys with her debut single, "Fallin." That same year, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Known around the world as the "Man with the Golden Ears," Davis was an unrivaled music visionary, producer and industry leader whose success during 60 years atop the music industry spanned such genres as Pop, Rock and Roll, R&B, Country and Hip-Hop.

His family released a statement saying,

"To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives. He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.

"To his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the center of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love. No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved.

"Through every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive's greatest pride and deepest joy. Today, we celebrate not only a towering figure whose influence changed music forever, but the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness. We will miss him greatly, cherish him always, and carry his love with us for the rest of our lives."

Davis is survived by his children Fred, Doug, Mitchell and Lauren, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren and more.

Clive Davis' enduring legacy at NYU

Meanwhile, Davis' legacy endures in one of the many places that bears his name, the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU, where the icon's daughter Lauren is a professor.

The undergraduate program at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts is deeply rooted in a holistic approach.

Professor Nick Sansano says that was critically important to Davis, who graduated from the school and started the Institute in 2003.

"If you come here, you're studying everything - studying the business of music, the legal aspects of music, the history and criticism of popular music, music production," Sansano said.

The walls of the school reflect Davis' long and winding accomplished career. At least once a year he would come back, talk and advise students, who were in awe.

Sansano feels Davis' genius in the industry, coupled with his demeanor - never raising his voice, being straight forward - made him one of a kind.