Martha Stewart paid tribute to music industry titan Clive Davis following his death on Monday, June 22, at age 94. The legendary record executive, who passed away at his Manhattan home, was remembered by Stewart as both a cherished friend and influential mentor.
Stewart, 84, shared her grief and admiration through a lengthy Instagram post that highlighted Davis's profound impact on both the music industry and those who knew him personally.
"My lovely friend, mentor and neighbor, the indominitable [SIC], indefatigable, amazing, talented, intuitive, Mister Clive Davis passed away today," Stewart wrote via Instagram on Monday. "I will miss him so very, very much. Not only did he provide us with some of the best performers and their music for more than half a century, he was the kindest, most thoughtful and caring human being."
The lifestyle entrepreneur reflected on their shared history, which spanned decades of professional and personal connections. Stewart recounted attending numerous industry events hosted by Davis, including his celebrated Grammy parties, birthday celebrations, and dinners honoring artists and friends. She also noted a particularly meaningful moment when she honored Davis at the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai.
Davis's death came several weeks after his spokesperson disclosed in May that the music executive had been hospitalized with an upper respiratory infection as a precautionary measure. The announcement was made to TMZ at the time.
Throughout his remarkable 66-year career, Davis served as a guiding force for some of the most iconic names in music history. His roster of artists included Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, and Aretha Franklin, among many others. His contributions to the industry earned him five Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
Davis is survived by four adult children: Fred Davis, 66, and Lauren Davis, 64, whom he shared with his first wife Helen Cohen, and Mitch Davis, 56, and Doug Davis, 52, from his marriage to second wife Janet Adelberg.
The Davis family released a joint statement Monday emphasizing the music executive's devotion to his loved ones despite his extraordinary professional achievements.
"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," the family stated. "No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved."
The statement concluded with a reflection on Davis's dual legacy as both an industry pioneer and devoted family man: "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."
Numerous artists whose careers Davis shaped also shared memorial tributes Monday. Bruce Springsteen recalled the transformative moment when Davis signed him to Columbia Records at age 22.
"Over here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend Clive Davis," Springsteen wrote via Instagram. "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."
Barry Manilow, 83, emphasized the deeply personal nature of his five-decade relationship with Davis, describing their bond as transcending mere business.
"My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis," Manilow shared via Instagram. "For 50 years, we worked together, created together, argued together and celebrated together. Yes, some would say it was business. But to Clive, it never was. It was family. And I was honored to be part of his."
The outpouring of tributes from industry legends and personal friends alike underscores Davis's enduring influence on American music and the profound personal connections he maintained throughout his storied career.