Clive Jay Davis (born April 4, 1932) is an American record producer, A&R executive, music industry executive, and lawyer. He has won five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer, in 2000.
From 1967 to 1973, Davis was the president of Columbia Records. He was the founder and president of Arista Records from 1974 through 2000 until founding J Records. From 2002 until April 2008, Davis was the chair and CEO of the RCA Music Group (which included RCA Records, J Records and Arista Records), chair and CEO of J Records, and chair and CEO of BMG North America.
Davis is credited with hiring a young recording artist, Tony Orlando, for Columbia in 1967. He has signed many artists that achieved significant success, including Janis Joplin; Laura Nyro; Santana; Bruce Springsteen; Chicago; Billy Joel; Donovan; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Loggins & Messina; Ace Of Base; Aerosmith; Pink Floyd; and Westlife. Davis is also credited with bringing Whitney Houston and Barry Manilow to prominence.
As of 2018, Davis is the chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment.