Home / Arts and Entertainment / Keys Honors Music Giant Who Believed First
Keys Honors Music Giant Who Believed First
29 Jun
Summary
- Alicia Keys tearfully paid tribute to Clive Davis at his funeral.
- Davis signed Keys at 15, recognizing her talent early on.
- Keys credited Davis for her career and personal growth.
Alicia Keys honored Clive Davis, the legendary music executive, with a heartfelt speech at his funeral service in New York City on Monday, June 29th, 2026. Keys described Davis as the person who first believed in her, a pivotal moment she felt was destined. She reminisced about meeting him at 15, despite being late due to train delays, and how he signed her to Arista Records in 1998.
Following Davis to J Records, Keys launched her debut album, 'Songs in A Minor,' in 2001. She expressed deep gratitude for his belief in her potential, stating it was a gift she could only honor. Davis, who passed away on June 22nd, 2026, at age 94, was instrumental in the careers of many artists, including Whitney Houston and Barry Manilow.
Keys also shared a humorous anecdote about Davis's unique way of delivering news. She emphasized his integrity in an industry often focused on commerce. The service also featured tributes from other artists and a performance by Jennifer Hudson. Davis had a long career, including leadership roles at Columbia Records, Arista, and Sony Music Entertainment.
