Prolific songwriter Diane Warren shared words of gratitude Monday praising music industry titan Clive Davis, whose family announced his death at age 94.
Davis collaborated with Warren for decades, helping to find artists who gave voice to the powerhouse songwriter’s extensive catalog of hits. Warren shared an Instagram post Monday about the hitmaker.
“Dear Clive, losing You today feels like losing my father,” Warren said in the post that included a picture of the two. “Because you were always family to me. It was ny (sic) 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.”
Warren, 69, went on to thank the five-time Grammy winner for basing decisions on how a song made him feel, not just numbers and data. Songs penned by Warren and shepherded by Davis include “Love Will Lead You Back” by Taylor Dayne; “I Learned from the Best” by Whitney Houston; “Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton and more.
Warren borrowed a line from her 1996 hit “Because You Love Me,” performed by Celine Dion, to thank Davis for believing in her.
“You didn’t look at f—— numbers and data, the only data that mattered to You was how it made you feel,” Warren continued. “Countless artists and songwriters owe everything to You. I am one of them. Without You I would never have the career I have. I know that. I will always cherish our friendship. No one will ever come close to what You have achieved. No one. Ever. Rest easy my dear friend, I’m sure there will be great voices to discover waiting for You in Heaven. I love You and I’m everything I am because you loved me. Thank You for that.”
Davis was president of Columbia Records from 1967-1973 before founding and serving as president of Arista Records from 1974-2000. He later led companies including J Records, RCA Music Group and BMG North America. He most recently served as chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment.
He is credited with playing key roles in the careers of Houston, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow and other star artists.
Davis’ family released a statement Monday.
“To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives,” his family posted on social media announcing his death. “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. 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.”