Clive Davis, a towering figure in the music industry, operates from behind his expansive desk, steering Arista Records. His composure, however, momentarily falters when questioned about the controversies that once threatened to derail his career. Pacing before images of himself with musical legends like Paul Simon, Miles Davis, and Janis Joplin, he challenges the notion of his controversial status.
His journey to redemption began after his abrupt dismissal from CBS Records in May 1973, a period when he was arguably the most influential person in the recording world. Stripped of his position and reputation, he was erased from Columbia's narrative, notably edited out of a CBS talent showcase he once hosted. Accused of misusing company funds, he became an industry pariah, with rumors of payola, drug-related scandals, and impending indictments swirling. Despite these challenges, an indictment for alleged income-tax evasion in June of that year, which he swiftly clarified, debunked the more severe accusations of criminal wrongdoing.
The music executive's return to prominence has garnered widespread respect. Industry stalwarts, including Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic, David Geffen of Asylum, and Jerry Wexler, have lauded his remarkable abilities. Patti Smith, a rising star on Arista's roster, describes Davis as someone drawn to 'pirates'—artists like Sly Stone and Janis Joplin—emphasizing his love for art while maintaining an independent business acumen. Davis actively oversees all aspects of his company, from phone calls and urgent paperwork to demo tapes and new music, always keeping a keen ear on the musical pulse. He proudly recounts his recent successes, such as discovering The Outlaws in Columbus, Georgia, highlighting the importance of executive dedication to artist development.
Davis’s resurgence was a gradual process. Following his 1973 firing, he endured a period of enforced silence, channeling his experiences into his autobiography, 'Clive.' This memoir, despite its somewhat grandiloquent tone, offered an insightful look into his years at CBS and his significant contributions to signing rock and roll artists, solidifying Columbia's reputation as a premier rock label. Offers soon followed, with Alan Hirschfield of Columbia Pictures Inc. presenting the most compelling proposition: to establish an independent label from the struggling Bell Records. In late 1974, Davis joined as a consultant, systematically revitalizing the company by streamlining its executive team and artist roster. With a $10 million initial investment from Columbia Pictures, Davis transformed the nascent label.
Initially, Bell Records’ only notable asset was Tony Orlando and Dawn, who were already transitioning to Elektra. Davis retained only Barry Manilow and Melissa Manchester, believing in their potential. His faith in Manilow quickly paid off, with 'Mandy' becoming a number one hit, firmly establishing Arista Records and signaling Davis's triumphant return. Operating with newfound strength, Davis strategically focused on nurturing emerging talent and revitalizing the careers of artists who had achieved only moderate success elsewhere. He eschewed bidding wars for established acts, instead bringing on artists such as Eric Andersen, Loudon Wainwright III, and Eric Carmen. His gamble on The Outlaws, whose album gained traction through FM radio and word-of-mouth, proved successful. Simultaneously, he developed a strategy to dominate the progressive music scene by signing local luminaries like Patti Smith, Gil Scott-Heron, and The Brecker Brothers. Combined with the Tony Orlando back catalog and soundtracks like 'Funny Lady' and Monty Python, Arista achieved a 600% increase in operating profit, reaching over $3 million in just eight months. After a year, the label recorded its first $4 million-plus sales month in October. Though he inherited the American distribution rights for the Bay City Rollers, a group he would not have personally signed, their strong sales bolstered the fledgling company.
Despite not being personally enthusiastic about the Bay City Rollers, Davis acknowledges their significant sales contribution to Arista in a highly competitive market. Two and a half years after his departure from Columbia, and just over a year since establishing Arista, the executive, following an indictment, remains forward-looking. He emphasizes the inherent risks in the music business but maintains that rebuilding is essential. Davis believes Arista has met all qualitative expectations, recognizing the dynamic cross-pollination of music currently occurring, which he finds profoundly exhilarating.
Clive Davis's journey is a testament to resilience and unwavering vision. His ability to navigate professional adversity, transform a struggling entity into a flourishing enterprise, and continually champion artistic talent underscores a profound dedication to music. His story inspires a belief in second chances and the power of strategic foresight to overcome challenges, demonstrating that true passion can ignite success against all odds.