The music industry paid tribute to Clive Davis on Wednesday, following the announcement of the record executive's death this week. Davis was 93.

Davis built one of the most influential careers in recorded music, leading Columbia Records before founding Arista Records and later J Records. He was credited with discovering or nurturing acts including Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys and Santana over a span of more than five decades.

The Recording Academy and Sony Music issued statements honouring his legacy, while artists posted personal remembrances on social media throughout the day. Davis was known for his annual pre-Grammy gala, a fixture of the awards calendar that drew the biggest names in entertainment.

Industry figures highlighted Davis's role as a tastemaker who bridged genres and generations, from 1960s rock signings to the soul and pop hits of the 1980s and 1990s. His autobiography and his prominent place in documentaries about Whitney Houston cemented his public profile beyond the boardroom.

A Recording Academy official said Davis "shaped the sound of modern popular music and championed countless artists who became household names," adding that his influence would endure across the industry he helped define.