Clive Davis

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1501 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.

Clive Davis was born in Brooklyn, New York. He entered Harvard Law School on a full scholarship and graduated in 1956. Four years later, he arrived at Columbia Records as an attorney.

In 1965, he was promoted to administrative vice-president of the label, became vice-president and general manager a year later, and in 1967 became the label's president. In this capacity he pushed the company full speed ahead into rock music, with artists such as Janis Joplin and Carlos Santana leading the pack.

He guided Columbia to tremendous success until 1973, when he was fired after being accused of tax evasion and misusing company funds.

In 1974, he took over the record division of Columbia Pictures and launched his own label, Arista, famous for such acts as Barry Manilow and Whitney Houston.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 (under the category Non-Performer).

Served as a guest judge on the American Idol panel along with Simon, Paula, and Randy for the May 18th show. [May 2004]

New York, NY, USA: In his memoir entitled "The Soundtrack of My Life," released this month at the age of 80, Davis revealed he was bisexual. He also embroiled himself in a bit of a duel with Kelly Clarkson over his role in pushing her hit song "Since U Been Gone." [February 2013]