Grammy-winning music mogul Clive Davis was hospitalized in New York City on Friday after battling an upper respiratory infection, with his spokesperson saying he was admitted out of caution and is expected to be released within 24 to 48 hours.
Clive Davis has helped shape careers for decades, but on Friday night the music world focused on something far more immediate: his health.
The Grammy-winning record producer and A&R executive was hospitalized in New York City after battling an upper respiratory infection, his spokesperson confirmed to TMZ and Rolling Stone on Friday night. At 94 years old, Davis was admitted to the hospital “out of an abundance of caution.”
For now, there is at least a window of relief. His spokesperson said Davis was expected to be released within the next 24 to 48 hours.
This isn’t the first time Davis has faced a medical setback in recent years. In 2021, his annual Pre-Grammy Gala—the event held the day before the awards show since 1975—was postponed while he battled Bell’s Palsy.
The hospitalization also lands against the backdrop of Davis’ enormous influence across American music. He has won five Grammy awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer in 2000.
Davis’ career spans more than 60 years in the business. He served as president of Columbia Records from 1967 to 1973, then founded and ran Arista Records from 1974 through 2000. He also founded J Records, serving as its chair and CEO. Between 2002 and 2008. he led RCA Music Group as chair and CEO. before moving into the role of chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment—a position he still holds to this day.
His legacy is also tied to artists he helped bring forward. Davis has been responsible for signing performers including Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Bay City Rollers, Sly and the Family Stone, and Ace of Base, among others.
With Davis hospitalized for an upper respiratory infection and his spokesperson expecting a release within 24 to 48 hours, attention is now on his recovery—another chapter in a life that has always moved fast, even when it’s been forced to slow down for health reasons.
Clive Davis hospital New York City upper respiratory infection music mogul A&R executive Grammy-winning producer Sony Music Entertainment Pre-Grammy Gala Bell's Palsy