Stevie Wonder honors Clive Davis' 'unconditional appreciation' for talent

The music industry is mourning legendary industry executive Clive Davis, who died Monday, June 22, at 94.

Longtime friends, including Stevie Wonder, remembered Davis' influence.

Wonder reacted to Davis' death, telling CNN during a Monday night interview with Anderson Cooper that "we're losing the best, and we're keeping the worst."

"When you think about Clive, you think about the parties and celebrations that he had, the nights before the Grammys. He would honor various artists," he said. "That's just a wonderful thing. I think that we need that energy. We really do."

Regarding his impact on artists, Wonder reflected on Davis' commitment to promoting talent, regardless of the barriers.

"He, I think, gave them unconditional appreciation for their talent, for their gift. He would go through any windows, any doors, any places to get them heard," he said. "It wasn't about, well, we can't play them on this station. It was as the world should be. It should be color-free."

He continued, "I think the worst thing about people in this world is that you let your vision blind you … And this is why we have the divide, based on something we really have no control over."

But Davis, "having an appreciation for music, for talent, he could feel it," Wonder added. "And he invited, he welcomed the greatness of those artists that he's discovered."

Bruce Springsteen speaks out on 'close friend' Clive Davis' death

Among the many artists whose careers he shaped, Bruce Springsteen recalled how Davis influenced his trajectory in the '70s from a "nobody" to a hitmaker.

"Over here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend Clive Davis," Springsteen shared on 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 on Clive Davis: 'Wish we could do it all again'

Barry Manilow who scored one of his biggest hits with 1974's "Mandy," a song Davis brought to him, said their relationship extended beyond business, he was "family."

"My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis. For fifty years we worked together, created together, argued together, and celebrated together," Manilow said in a statement shared with USA TODAY. "Yes, some would say it was business. But to Clive, it never was. It was family. And I was honored to be a part of his. Thank you Clive. I wish we could do it all again."

“To Clive Davis, the visionary who transformed dreams into reality, leaving an indelible mark on music and live worldwide.”

Alicia Keys calls Clive Davis a 'visionary'

Alicia Keys, who signed with Arista Records in 1998 under Davis' helm, has credited him with giving her the creative freedom to shape her own career. Taking to Instagram, she remembered his influence on her and the industry. “To Clive Davis, the visionary who transformed dreams into reality, leaving an indelible mark on music and live worldwide,” she shared.

Jennifer Hudson calls Clive Davis 'family,' says death is a 'huge blow'

Davis continued nurturing talent well into the 2000s, including Jennifer Hudson, who reflected on his legacy in a message on X.

"I needed a moment…This was a huge blow to wake up to," Hudson wrote. "I know Nobody lives forever, but Clive’s impact and legacy will always live on! Yes, he was the legendary music mogul, but he was family to me. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. You will be missed, Clive ! We will always celebrate your life and legacy."

Rod Stewart: 'I owe Clive so much'

In 2002, Rod Stewart joined Davis' J Records and released a successful series of pop standards through his "American Songbook" album series, earning his first-ever Grammy Award in 2005 for "Stardust... The Great American Songbook, Volume III."

"A giant of a man in the music business," Stewart said in an Instagram post. "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. 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."

Dionne Warwick praises 'dear friend' Clive Davis

Dionne Warwick, who was signed in 1979 by Davis himself to his Arista Records label, experienced success throughout the '80s with his support. In a statement, Warwick praised his "magical ability" to recognize hit music.

“Clive Davis, what is there to say? My dear friend lived a more than promised allotted time and made each moment count," Warwick said. "I am truly going to miss him. He always wanted to know 'where’s my Dionne?' I referred to him as the brown shoe, white sock record executive. I can think of no other record man that seemed to have that magical ability to know a hit when he heard a song. The entire music industry I’m sure will mourn his passing. He was one of a kind.”

Michael Bublé 'forever grateful' for Clive Davis

Michael Bublé, who has credited Davis for helping him achieve success in the U.S., told fans he was "heartbroken" in a message on X.

"Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Clive Davis," the Canadian singer shared. "Clive wasn’t just a music legend, he was a champion of artists and someone who believed in people and their dreams. Forever grateful for his guidance, his generosity, and the opportunities he gave so many of us. Rest in peace."

Santana remembers Clive Davis 'faith' in band 'before anyone else'

Davis also championed Carlos Santana, whose 1999 comeback album "Supernatural" featured collaborations with artists including Rob Thomas, Lauryn Hill, Eric Clapton and Maná.

"He could hear the intangible before anyone else could see it," Santana shared in a statement shared with USA TODAY. "He believed in Santana from the beginning, and years later he believed in us again. That kind of faith is a beautiful blessing, and I will always be grateful.

"Clive understood that music is more than entertainment. Music is a healing force. It brings people together beyond fear, beyond separation, beyond borders. He dedicated his life to championing artists and helping them share their gifts with the world. Clive recognized the light in people. He encouraged artists to trust their own voice and step into their destiny. Because of his vision, countless musicians were able to reach hearts across the planet.

"I thank Clive for his friendship, his trust, and his belief in Santana. We celebrate his extraordinary journey and the legacy of joy, inspiration, and possibility that he leaves behind. We send our deepest love and blessings to his family and to all who were touched by his life."

Thomas collaborated with Santana on 1999's hit "Smooth," and since then, he's had a longstanding relationship with Davis, whom he called a "friend and mentor" in an Instagram post.

"From that point on, every solo album I made, Clive was one of the first people to hear it," Thomas recalled. "Sometimes he would send messages to my record label encouraging them to make sure they did all they could to work my records. So many people just assumed that I was on Clive’s label but he was just a strong advocate for his friends.

"Compared to the superstars that Clive worked with and the careers he launched, I was a tiny fish but he always took time to make me feel special. There are so many wonderful experiences I’ve had in my career that only happened because of that friendship."

Thomas continued, "this loss holds a lot of sadness but more than anything it’s a celebration of an impressive life. There are still a lot of good people in the music industry but with him goes the end of an era. Clive, you will be missed but your legacy is immortal."

Davis is also remembered for shaping the careers of Whitney Houston, Carly Simon, Earth, Wind & Fire and more.

Clive Davis cause of death revealed

Davis "passed away peacefully from age-related illness" at his Manhattan home on June 22, "surrounded by his family and loved ones," Aliza Rabinoff, his longtime representative, shared with USA TODAY. He had recently been hospitalized for an upper respiratory infection.

Davis had previously revealed that he was diagnosed with Bell's palsy in 2021, a condition that causes temporary facial paralysis and forced him to scale back portions of his annual pre-Grammy gala. He later recovered.

Aside from the infection and Bell's palsy diagnosis, Davis had not publicly disclosed any other major health concerns.

Clive Davis influenced Whitney Houston, Grateful Dead and more

"I found, by accident, a role for music in my life that became a natural part of me and I realized I had a natural gift for discovering artists," Davis told USA TODAY in 2022, shortly before his 90th birthday. "Everybody faces challenges, but the importance of the work ethic, of keeping the bar up there for the standard of excellence – I feel that was very much a part of my life."

Davis is perhaps best known for discovering Whitney Houston, whose career he helped shape from the beginning. Despite their close relationship, Davis wrote in his 2013 memoir, "The Soundtrack of My Life," that he was unable to steer the singer away from the drug addiction that ultimately contributed to her death.

Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead also credited Davis with offering guidance that helped shape the band's work.

"He wanted us to at least be aware of the fact that you're gonna say what you're gonna say, but the presentation is going to dictate how people listen to it," Weir told USA TODAY in 2022. "He was older than us, so we had to take his advice seriously. He knows art when he hears it."

Contributing: Melissa Ruggieri and Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY