Clive Davis still reaching for the stars
Clive Davis relishes the “discoveries” he’s made over 50 years in the music business.
The legendary producer, who is promoting his new book The Sound
track of My Life, says he is struck by a sense of “awe” when he comes across a talent — whether new or seasoned — that can be nurtured and placed in the spotlight.
“Those feelings come after you sign them for the first time, whether it is (Bruce) Springsteen or (Janice) Joplin, Patti Smith, Alicia Keys — each one has gone on to be a hall of famer,” he says.
Sony Music’s chief creative officer has also played a key role in resurrecting careers of many established performers.
“They are iconic performers who I didn’t believe their careers were over,” he says. “So often the outside world looks at music careers as ephemeral.”
Here he singles out soul legend Aretha Franklin. She topped a 2008 Rolling Stone magazine poll of the 100 Greatest Singers, but when Davis met Franklin in the ’80s she was in a career lull. Although Davis wasn’t sure he could recreate the powerhouse renderings of “Respect” or “Chain of Fools,” he knew her voice was capable of reaching new audiences.
“Everything she does is history,” he says.
Davis has met, mentored and made friends with many musical greats over the past five decades. Trained as a lawyer, his career took a divergent path after he attended the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, heard the raw power of Janice Joplin, and signed her.
His book, written with Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis and released in February, details the journey that has taken him through many genres including jazz-fusion, rock, gospel and hip-hop.
Q: You are 80, any thoughts of retirement?
A: I’m so grateful to medicine, I take a few pills a day to take care of hypertension and blood pressure (which killed Davis’s parents). My reports are all good. I love music. I’m always on the lookout for a new artist.
Q: What are your failures? A: The rock group Alpha Band, the only member to break out is T-Bone Burnett. They didn’t have a signature song. That is an example of a group that didn’t connect. You can’t get by on talent and charm.
Q: Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepsen have been discovered on the Internet. What is its role in finding new talent?
A: Well, Mumford and Sons wasn’t discovered on the Internet. The traditional methodology still works — you have the experience that something is looming. I keep looking for the stars of tomorrow.
Q: Protégés Janice Joplin and Whitney Hous- ton have died. What was the impact on you?
A: Whether it is Janice or Whitney, it is devastating. To generalize, music artists are no different than the percentage of people with problems in the rest of society. But many more have gone on to long working careers like Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen.
Q: You recently praised the hip hop music scene for its acceptance of Frank Ocean, who is openly gay.
A: I think it is heartening to see the support that it has for Frank Ocean. Our society is evolving. Q: How have you been so successful? A: I work as hard as I can, every time out. I never take anything for granted. Nothing is automatic.