Clive Davis, music industry legend who helped launch Philadelphia International Records, dies at 94

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Clive Davis, a Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who spent more than six decades shaping the sound of multiple genres and generations, has died. He was 94.

Davis' family said he passed away peacefully of an age-related illness at his home in Manhattan.

His impact on the music industry - and in Philadelphia - was described as lasting and far-reaching by those who worked with him and were influenced by his career.

Carvin Haggins, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer with billions of streams, said he followed one guiding principle in his work. "It's making sure the music is authentically great, don't make it into something it's not," Haggins said.

Haggins said that approach was something he learned from Davis, whose influence he believes is unmatched.

"His influence to the music industry will never be surpassed by anyone," he said.

Davis was widely known for discovering and developing some of the biggest names in music.

"He was a hit maker, and he was a star maker!" said WDAS radio personality Patty Jackson.

Jackson listed artists such as Tony Orlando, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Whitney Houston among those connected to Davis' legacy.

She said his influence crossed genres and was shaped in part by his connection to Philadelphia. "He got a lot of inspiration in Philadelphia," Jackson said.

Legendary songwriters "Gamble and Huff" credit Davis with giving them their "official start" in the music business by launching Philadelphia International Records.

Gamble and Huff released a statement to Action News that reads:

"Clive Davis's appreciation and love for Soul and Rhythm and Blues gave birth and the platform for the Sound of Philadelphia to be heard all over the world.

We will be forever be grateful for what Clive Davis has done for our music career and the impact he had on the music business in the history of the music in general around the world.

We will greatly miss our friend and mentor and send our deepest condolences to his family and our music family and colleagues worldwide!!"

Haggins also worked directly with Davis, recalling how the executive's critical listening skills earned him a reputation for having "golden ears."

"He's breaking down the record on where he wants the changes and how he wants it changed, and it was like, 'OK, I guess he's not Clive Davis for nothing!" Haggins said.

Jackson echoed that assessment.

"He had such a great musical ear, which a lot of people don't," she said.

Those who knew Davis and his work said his influence will endure far beyond his lifetime.

"We're not gonna see another man like Clive Davis," Jackson said.

Davis is remembered as a once-in-a-lifetime talent whose contributions helped define modern music and left a permanent mark on the industry.