Jennifer Hudson, Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys and more honor Clive Davis at his funeral

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: The funeral of legendary music executive Clive Davis, who died last Monday at the age of 94 after a six-decade career, brought together some of the biggest names in the music industry for a deeply emotional tribute.

Held at Central Synagogue in Midtown Manhattan and livestreamed for audiences, the service featured heartfelt speeches, moving performances and personal memories from artists, family members and longtime colleagues who reflected on Davis’ remarkable influence on music and the lives he touched.

Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and Bruce Springsteen celebrate Clive Davis’ lasting legacy

Jennifer Hudson delivered an emotional performance of Leonard Cohen’s 'Hallelujah', followed by Whitney Houston’s 'I Will Always Love You.' Overcome with emotion, she paused during the song’s a cappella opening before completing a powerful rendition.

Alicia Keys became emotional before addressing Davis directly, recalling meeting him when she was 15. “You saw something in me that I was only just beginning to see in myself,” she said.

“You didn’t just sign an artist, you recognized a soul. You saw not just the music I’d already made, but the music that was still sleeping inside of me, waiting for someone with the wisdom and courage to call it forward. You called it forward — you called me forward,” she added. 

Bruce Springsteen concluded the tributes by reflecting on his 1972 audition for Columbia Records. After performing 'Growing Up' and 'Spirit in the Night', Davis simply told him, “Welcome to Columbia Records.”

Looking back on that moment, he said, “And in those few words, he changed my life forever. Forever. Nothing’s been the same since that day.” He also praised Davis’ lasting impact on artists, saying, “He guided the listening public towards so much powerful and inspiring music. And he not only loved music, Clive actually loved the people who made the music."

“And I loved him back. I never felt nothing but love coming from Clive. He changed so many artists’ and performers’ lives,” Springsteen concluded. 

Clive Davis remembered through personal tributes and lifelong friendships

The 90-minute service began with a solo performance by Kenny G, followed by remarks from Senior Rabbi Angela W Buchdahl, who said, “Clive would have loved this, he would have been touched that he filled the house, and by the many stars who are here.”

Speaking about the role of music in faith and life, she recalled that after crossing the Red Sea, “He does not give a speech, he does not even pray: He sings,” before performing a jazzy rendition of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.'

Among those attending also were Stevie Wonder, Gayle King, and several leading music executives. Dionne Warwick reflected on how Davis revived her career after she had considered leaving the music industry.

Recalling their first meeting, she remembered telling him, “Nah, I think I’m gonna give this business up,” to which Davis responded, “Well, the business isn’t willing to give you up!” Their collaboration with Barry Manilow resulted in her 1979 comeback album, Dionne.

The ceremony concluded with a prayer from Buchdahl, while a pianist and string quartet performed classical arrangements of Houston’s 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' and Springsteen’s 'Born to Run', bringing a fitting close to the farewell.