Singer Alicia Keys paid tribute to the man she says changed her life forever. The Grammy-winning singer took to Instagram following the death of legendary music executive Clive Davis, who recently passed away at the age of 94. According to reports, Davis had recently been hospitalised with respiratory issues and passed away at his Manhattan home. For Keys, Davis was much more than a music industry powerhouse. He was the mentor who believed in her when she was just 18 years old and helped launch a career that would go on to earn global acclaim. An archival clip showing Alicia Keys talking about Clive Davis in an earlier 60 Minutes interview. Video: Instagram@AliciaKeys How Clive Davis helped shape Alicia Keys’ breakthrough Their relationship began in 2000 when Keys signed with Davis’ newly formed J Records after leaving her previous label. Widely regarded as one of the greatest talent scouts in music history, Davis recognised the young singer-songwriter’s potential early on and gave her the creative freedom to develop her artistry. That faith paid off with the release of Songs in A Minor in 2001, a breakthrough album that introduced the world to Keys and established her as one of music’s brightest stars. Over the years, Davis remained one of her most trusted champions, supporting her throughout the many chapters of her career. Alicia Keys and the late Clive Davis. Picture: Instagram@AliciaKeys ‘He stood beside me’ Reflecting on his influence and the bond they shared, Keys shared an emotional message with her followers. She wrote: “Clive Davis changed my life forever. He believed in me from the very beginning, when I was just 18 years old, and very few saw what I was capable of! He has stood beside me through every chapter that followed. Not just in that fake industry way but in a way that was full of love for how unlimited I could be! He called me a renaissance woman! It’s one of my favorite descriptions. It reminds me to be boundless. “His impact reaches far beyond music. It lives in the countless artists he championed, the dreams he helped bring to life, and the love he poured into so many! If he didn’t see in me the glimmer of what was to become, you and I may have never known each other and be on this deep musical journey. We will celebrate your extraordinary life, legacy, and heart today and always. You will be missed beyond words but I am so grateful to have had you for as long as I did,” wrote Keys. HAVE YOU READ THIS ONE?: WATCH: SA Music Powerhouses Wouter Kellerman, Daniel Baron & Cara Frew Go Gold With New Hit Single! Post navigation Nate James Remembered Amy Winehouse and the Goodbye He Never Got to Say
