Songwriter Diane Warren has shared a personal tribute to music executive Clive Davis, who died Monday at age 94 in New York City.
Warren, known for nine Number One songs and 33 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, described Davis as family in a social media post. She wrote that losing him felt like losing her father and credited him with believing in her work when others did not.
In the message, Warren recalled playing songs for Davis and watching his emotional reactions. She noted that he valued how music made people feel rather than focusing on numbers or data, unlike many current executives.
Warren also spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about Davis's career, highlighting his role in guiding artists including Whitney Houston, Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow, the Grateful Dead, The Notorious B.I.G., Alicia Keys, and Kelly Clarkson. She ended her tribute by referencing her 1996 song performed by Celine Dion.