Fantasia, Babyface, Busta Rhymes, And More Celebrate Clive Davis At 2024 Birthday Gala
Clive Davis celebrated his 92nd birthday with his 41st birthday gala titled “The Soundtrack of Our Lives: A Tribute to the Legendary Clive Davis” at Carnegie Hall Monday (April 29), hosted by New York Pops.
“We are thrilled to be honoring Clive Davis and his innumerable contributions to popular music,” said Steven Reineke, New York Pops music director and conductor, in a statement. “For decades, Mr. Davis has introduced us to countless favorite artists and songs, and shaped the American music landscape. Together with the 78 musicians of The New York Pops, we’ll revisit the soundtrack of our lives at Carnegie Hall.”
The stacked lineup for the celebratory affair included Fantasia, Babyface, Busta Rhymes, Deborah Cox, Carlos Santana, Rob Thomas, Kenny G, Melissa Manchester, Barry Manilow, John Mellencamp, Ray Parker Jr., and Dionne Warwick.
As described in a statement, the lineup intended to “showcase Mr. Davis’ immense impact on the worlds of Pop, Rock and Roll, R&B, Country and Hip-Hop through a wide array of musical selections.” Throughout his nearly six-decade career, Davis has won four Grammys, a Trustees Award from the Recording Academy, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live named its theater after Davis in 2010.
The event’s name is an homage to Davis’ 2013 autobiography and a 2017 documentary.
Proceeds from the gala will support the New York Pops orchestra and its PopsEd music education programs. A black tie-optional dinner and dance followed the tribute concert at the Mandarin Oriental New York.
Ahead of the gala, Davis wrote on Instagram, “You have made my birthday one to always remember. I’m so very grateful,” and it’s clear that the gala was icing on the cake. Check out highlights below.
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