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Rod Stewart "lost for words" after death of "dear friend" Clive Davis
23 June 2026, 10:57 | Updated: 23 June 2026, 11:23
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Rod Stewart has led tributes to music legend Clive Davis, who has died at the age of 94.
Sir Rod was just one of many stars who have shared their memories of the executive, producer and A&R icon who helped so many musicians make their mark in the 20th century and beyond.
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"Lost for words! A day I’ve been dreading!" said Sir Rod.
"A giant of a man in the music business. I owe Clive so much. The force behind J Records, he was the only one who believed a rock singer could sing the standards with conviction."
He continued: "Other labels rejected the idea, and so The Great American Songbook was born, selling close to 40 million copies.
"We had some wonderful, unforgettable times together, but for now, Mr. Davis, it’s goodbye, my dear friend. Rod Stewart 💔"
The list of artists who Davis signed or helped during his career is a who's who of major pop and rock players.
Barry Manilow, Pink Floyd, Sly and the Family Stone, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Earth, Wind & Fire, Billy Joel, Donovan, Bay City Rollers and Whitney Houston were brought into the mainstream with Davis's help.
Billy Joel said: "Clive Davis convinced me to sign with Columbia Records many years ago. He recognized the talent of great musicians and understood the power of contemporary music.
"I will always be grateful to Clive for his recognition of the critical importance of songwriting. He undoubtedly enhanced the stature of the music industry during his tenure as president of Columbia Records."
Bruce Springsteen said: "Over here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend Clive Davis.
"At 22 years old, he changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records. He treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success. A great man. All our prayers and love."
Diane Warren said: "Dear Clive, losing You today feels like losing my father. Because you were always family to me. It was my Dad who believed in me in the very beginning, it was you who never stopped believing in me.
"By having so many of your artists record my songs, even the ones who didn't want to. And there were a few of those. I loved to play You songs and watch the look on your face when a song moved You. You really loved songs. And truly appreciated songwriters."
A family statement read: "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."
It continued: "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."
