Kenny G opened the service with a solo performance, while Dionne Warwick eulogized the great record executive
Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Hudson were expected to pay their respects to Clive Davis at the legendary record exec’s funeral Monday in New York City.
The service at Manhattan’s Central Synagogue opened with a performance of “Songbird” from Kenny G, one of the many blockbuster artists Davis signed during his illustrious career. Following an address and performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl, Dionne Warwick was the first to pay tribute to Davis.
“He was a dear friend, cared about Dionne” Warwick said. “There was not anything that he ever did that I didn’t get the first phone call: You will be there right? … He was always asking, ‘Where’s my Dionne. Well, I’m here today, Clive. Will always be here for you.”
Davis died June 22 at the age of 94, with a rep for the mogul saying he “passed away peacefully from age-related illness … surrounded by his family and loved ones.” Throughout his extraordinary seven decades in the music industry, Davis gained a reputation as a tireless champion of artists he believed in and a sharp businessman.
Following Davis’ death, Keys was among the wave of legendary artists crediting Davis for being pivotal at the start of their careers. “Clive Davis changed my life forever,” Keys wrote in her tribute. “He has stood beside me through every chapter that followed. Not just in that fake industry way but in a way that was full of love for how unlimited I could be!”
Springsteen also shared a remembrance to Davis on social media, writing, “Over here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend Clive Davis.” Springsteen added, “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.”
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