Clive Davis, the renowned music industry legend and mentor to the late Whitney Houston, recently opened up about the unfinished music he was working on with the iconic singer before her untimely death in 2012. In a heartfelt interview with CNN, the 91-year-old record producer shared details about their creative process and the promising future they envisioned.
Davis discovered Houston when she was just 19 years old and played a crucial role in shaping her career. Even years later, he vividly remembers her passion for life and music. Houston had approached Davis with a request to come up with new material for her, indicating her drive to continue creating music before her sudden and tragic passing at the age of 48, coinciding with the weekend of the 55th Grammy Awards.
Collaboration was the foundation of their working relationship. They would discuss ideas for new music before Houston entered the recording studio. Davis explained that they had scheduled their meetings to ensure they were both ready for these sessions. They even went as far as setting a prospective schedule, with plans for Houston to start recording in August.
Despite the challenges she faced, Houston exuded vitality and optimism during this time. Davis remembers her looking forward to the future, displaying her unwavering commitment to her craft. However, behind her optimistic facade, Houston had battled personal demons, including drug addiction. Davis disclosed that they had candid conversations about her health, particularly her smoking habit. He was surprised to learn that she had quit smoking and taken steps to remove nicotine from her throat through medical procedures. Unfortunately, even with her determination, the insidious nature of addiction ultimately proved too powerful.
Whitney Houston's tragic death occurred at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, just hours before she was slated to attend Davis' annual pre-Grammys Awards party. The devastating loss reverberated throughout the music community and beyond, casting a shadow over the 55th Grammys that followed.
Clive Davis, who had a hand in shaping the careers of numerous music icons like Barry Manilow, Billy Joel, and Alicia Keys, has spoken openly about the impact of Houston's death on him personally and professionally. He fondly recalls missing her presence, noting her charm, humor, and undeniable talent as a performer. Davis particularly reminisces about the overpowering effect Houston had on audiences, describing her ability to effortlessly and emotionally bring songs to life, earning her countless standing ovations.
While we will never know what could have been from their collaborative efforts, this glimpse into Clive Davis and Whitney Houston's creative partnership reminds us of the profound impact she had on the music industry and the void her absence left behind. Her voice continues to resonate with fans worldwide, a testament to her legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
