Music Legend Clive Davis Dies at 94
Was Clive Davis a visionary architect of American music or a complicated figure whose legacy demands honest scrutiny?
Above: Clive Davis in Los Angeles, Calif. on Jan. 31. Image credit: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The Spin
Narrative A
Clive Davis had golden ears that spotted hits and stars turning music on its head for decades. He built labels from scratch and made comebacks look easy with pure instinct. Legends owe their careers to his unmatched vision.
Narrative B
Davis clawed his way up through firings and scandals at big labels before striking out on his own. Questionable transactions and tax problems marked his path, yet he kept landing on top. Hustle and connections were mixed with a complex legacy.