Trapital

Clive Davis Part 1: Whitney Houston, Resilience, and The World's Greatest Party

Trapital

Show Notes

I sat down with the legendary record executive Clive Davis. We looked back on the career-defining moments that made him one of the most influential figures in music.

He shares memories from the Beverly Hills Hotel, where we recorded the conversation. We also discussed the evolution of his famed pre-Grammy gala, and the philosophy behind honoring artists in the room. Davis also revisits being pushed out at Columbia, Arista, launching J Records, and the story behind Whitney Houston recording “Why Does It Hurt So Bad.” It’s a conversation about instinct, reinvention, and what it takes to keep going at the highest levels in business.

CHAPTERS

04:21 Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Gala

11:30 Lessons Learned at Columbia

15:38 From Arista to J Records

23:41 When Whitney Houston and Clive Disagreed

SPONSORS

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