Clive Davis is a name synonymous with success in the music industry. With a career spanning over six decades, he has shaped the careers of countless iconic artists and influenced the direction of popular music.
As of 2024, his strategic vision, unparalleled ear for talent, and successful ventures in record production and executive leadership have culminated in a Clive Davis net worth of $900 million. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Clive Davis, exploring his early days, his rise to fame, and his numerous achievements.
Profile Summary
| Category | Information |
| Full Name | Clive Jay Davis |
| Nickname | The Man with the Golden Ear |
| Gender | Male |
| Birthday | April 4, 1932 |
| Age | 92 (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City |
| Current Residence | New York City, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Education | New York University (BA), Harvard Law School (JD) |
| Profession | Record producer, music executive |
| Father | Herman Davis |
| Mother | Florence Davis |
| Marital Status | Divorced (twice) |
| Spouse | Helen Cohen (1956-1965), Janet Adelberg (1965-1985) |
| Children | Fred, Lauren, Mitchell, Doug |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Clive Davis Net Worth | $900 million (estimated) |
| Source of Income | Music industry executive, record producer, entrepreneur |
What is Clive Davis’s Net Worth and Salary?
Clive Davis net worth is estimated to be around $900 million, according to Eric Singer. His salary is not publicly disclosed, but his wealth comes from his successful career as a record producer, music executive, and founder of several record labels, including Arista Records and J Records. Clive Davis net worth is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and innovative approach to the music industry.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 4, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, Clive Davis grew up in a Jewish family. He lost both his parents at a young age and was raised by his married sister in Queens. Davis attended New York University, graduating magna cum laude in 1953 with a degree in political science. He then attended Harvard Law School on a full scholarship, graduating in 1956.
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Legal Career
After graduating from Harvard Law, Davis practiced at a small firm in New York before moving to the firm of Rosenman, Colin, Kaye, Petschek, and Freund. Notably, partner Ralph Colin had CBS as a client, leading to Davis’s hiring as an assistant counsel for the CBS subsidiary Columbia Records. Eventually, he moved up to the position of general counsel.
Columbia Records
While Davis was serving as general counsel at Columbia Records, the company underwent a reorganization. As a result, in 1965, Davis was made administrative vice president and general manager of Columbia.
The year after that, CBS formed the Columbia-CBS Group, which in turn yielded the new music operations arm CBS Records. Davis became the head of that new unit and was appointed president within a year.
Arista Records
In 1974, Davis founded Arista Records, which he headed until 2000. At Arista, he signed a plethora of hugely successful artists, including Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Patti Smith, Ace of Base, Air Supply, Taylor Dayne, and Alicia Keys.
LaFace Records
In 1989, Clive co-founded LaFace Records with L.A. Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. LaFace Records would become enormously successful in the late 90s and early 2000s thanks to acts like TLC, Toni Braxton, and Usher.
J Records, RCA, and Sony
After leaving Arista, Davis launched the label J Records, which was distributed through the RCA Music Group. A couple of years later, he became president and CEO of RCA. In 2004, BMG merged with Sony Music Entertainment to form Sony BMG, and in 2008, Davis left RCA to become Sony BMG’s chief creative officer. He was soon promoted to chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment.
Bad Boy Records
In 1993, Sean Combs was a recently fired talent executive at Uptown Records looking for a home. He landed a meeting with Clive, who was famously not a fan of rap music at the time. Later, Clive would explain: “I didn’t even know that much about Puffy. I did take the meeting, and it was no question that he had the vision, that a hip-hop revolution was coming.
He needed my expertise to ‘conquer’ Top 40, I was skeptical. So I asked Puffy, what music do you have? He played me ‘Flava In Ya Ear’ by Craig Mack. That sold me.” Clive gave Puffy a distribution deal and $15 million to launch Bad Boy Records. Through Bad Boy, Clive would have enormous success from artists like Mase, 112, The Notorious B.I.G., and Faith Evans.
Personal Life
Clive Davis is a private person, but some details about his personal life are known. He was born to Jewish parents and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Davis has been married twice and has four children. In his 2013 autobiography, “The Soundtrack of My Life,” he publicly revealed his bisexuality.
Real Estate
Clive Davis owns several properties in New York City, including at least five units in a single Manhattan building. He also owns a luxurious compound in Westchester County, New York, which features a 30-seat home theater and an 8,000 square-foot main house, as well as a 6,000 square-foot guest house.
Awards
Clive Davis has won numerous awards for his contributions to the music industry. He has won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Whitney Houston’s “The Bodyguard” soundtrack and Santana’s “Supernatural.” Davis has also won the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Art Collection
Clive Davis has an impressive art collection, which includes works by Picasso, Damien Hirst, Dale Chihuli, Adolph Gottlieb, and Andy Warhol, among others. His collection is estimated to be worth around $100 million.
Final Thoughts
Clive Davis is a music industry legend who has made significant contributions to the careers of countless iconic artists. His strategic vision, leadership, and commitment to artistic integrity have left an indelible mark on the music business. As a producer, executive, and philanthropist, Davis continues to shape the music industry and inspire future generations of music professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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FAQs
Q: What is Clive Davis net worth?
A: Clive Davis net worth is estimated to be around $850 million.
Q: What record labels has Clive Davis founded?
A: Clive Davis has founded Arista Records, LaFace Records, and J Records.
Q: How many Grammy Awards has Clive Davis won?
A: Clive Davis has won five Grammy Awards.
Q: What is Clive Davis’s sexual orientation?
A: Clive Davis is bisexual.
Q: What is Clive Davis’s most notable achievement?
A: Clive Davis’s most notable achievement is his contributions to the music industry, including launching the careers of iconic artists and shaping the music business through his leadership and vision.
