Interviewee: Clive Davis
Interviewer: Charlie Rose
Date: 28 September, 2000

Clive Jay Davis is currently the Chief Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainment Worldwide. A Harvard-educated lawyer, Davis first struck fortune as president of Columbia Records, which he transformed from an industry laggard to a preeminent record titan. The label signed enduring acts like Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Chicago, and Billy Joel.

After he was fired for corruption allegations, Clive Davis presided over Columbia Pictures’ record label. He consolidated it along with other labels to form Arista Records. Its roster of signed acts includes musical heavyweights Barry Manilow and Whitney Houston.

Under his leadership, Arista Records expanded to include superstars in country and urban music. Sean “Puffy” Combs, TLC, Toni Braxton, Outkast, Monica, Pink, and Notorious B.I.G. are all Arista acts.
The interview deals with his deposition from Arista and his comeback with J Records, the successful project that launched the careers of Alicia Keys and the like.

In 2000, Clive Davis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

More information on Clive Davis:

Whitney Houston’s Grammy gift to Clive Davis.

Wikipedia article about Arista Records.

Sony turns to Clive Davis to make hits.