Episode 12 Clive Davis: Legendary Record Industry Executive

What else is there when you’ve been one of the most influential people in the music world to date? For decades, Mr. Davis has helped spread the joy, love, and heartbreak that comes from amazing lyrics and inspiring musicians. Clive Davis has had a long and storied career in the music industry. He’s been the founder and head of several successful record labels and one of the key players in finding and promoting amazing talent as well as finding some of the greatest songs of all time. He is behind the likes of Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Santana, Dionne Warwick, Maroon 5 and so many more. Andy actually met Clive 40 years ago after he gave a talk at Harvard University and so this interview is one of the highlights of his life and career. Listen in as Clive shares his thoughts on the state of the music industry today, what it takes to be an amazing artist or performer, and why he feels that he’s been lucky and blessed throughout his career.  Clive is truly an inspiration and a role model. If you ever feel like giving up, take a moment and watch his documentary on Netflix, Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives.  Or, read his autobiography, The Soundtrack of My Life. This man has persevered through so many starts and stops and continues to do amazing work in the music industry today.  Listen in to learn what’s coming up next and why he has no intention of stepping away from music as long as he is on this Earth.   Show Highlights: [00:18] Learn more about Clive Davis’s background and musical credits.  [01:27] Andy shares the first time he ever met Clive.  [04:54] How does Clive feel about his ability to find amazing talent time after time?  [06:55] Clive shares his thoughts on being able to spot talent and run successful labels. [08:57] What do all self-contained artists have in common? [12:18] Why stage presence is so important in a live show.  [15:16] What do entertainers have in common?  [22:36] How do you successfully deal with the volatility of artists?  [26:20] What was it like working with Sly?  [29:36] Clive shares his philosophy on running a company and a team.  [32:30] Where did he find his ability to constantly thrive through hardship?  [42:28] How will the music industry be impacted by the pandemic?  [46:56] Clive has built quite a legacy. How does feel about this and aging?   LINKS & RESOURCES   The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection: Elliot Jefferson, Lamonte Silver, Keith Hammond, Roy Lambert, Joe Herrera, and Craig Alston. Follow The Music Makers:  The Music Makers on Instagram Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment  Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz Clive Davis: Netflix Documentary - Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives Autobiography - The Soundtrack of My Life by Clive Davis Clive on Twitter Instagram: @CliveJDavis Facebook: @MrCliveDavis