Clive Davis Convinced Whitney Houston to Sign With Him by Agreeing to an Unheard of Clause in Her Re

Music

Whitney Houston and Clive Davis' musical marriage spanned 3 decades. Houston signed with Davis after he agreed to a particular clause in her recording contract.

Published on July 28, 2020

One of the closest people to Whitney Houston all the way through her lifetime is Clive Davis. Houston’s iconic status is due to Davis’ affect. He signed Houston as a teen and their relationship lasted till Houston’s death in 2012. Davis says Houston only signed with him after agreeing to a clause in her record contract that has never been integrated prior to now. 

Two different record companies vied for Whitney Houston

Two different record companies have been in festival for Whitney to sign with. She performed background vocals at her mother Cissy Houston’s live level performances. Midway via Cissy’s set, Whitney would carry out solos. Cissy used the moment for Whitney to shine and get consideration from label heads.

In 1982, Whitney auditioned for Bruce Lundvall, President of Elektra Records. At the time, Elektra was home to many rock artists however was having a look to convey in more soulful acts underneath their newly formed jazz division. Lundvall wanted to sign Whitney however Whitney explored all of her options. 

At the similar time, Whitney used to be additionally taking into account signing with Epic Records. The label was once well-known for its various artist roster, which integrated Michael Jackson and Gloria Estefan. 

Whitney Houston signed with Clive Davis after Davis agreed to an unheard-of clause

Davis used to be the pinnacle of Arista Records when he first heard of Houston. As buzz began producing round Houston and the struggle between Epik and Elektra grew extra intense, Davis knew he had to make an enormous transfer.

Davis explains in a ahead of Houston’s thirty fifth anniversary of her debut album that Houston signing with him came down to a particular clause in her contract.

“Whitney would simplest sign with us if she was once given a key man clause that stated she would best work with me: if I were to depart the company for any explanation why, she could depart as neatly,” he writes. “At that time, Arista used to be section of RCA Records. We had by no means given that clause to any artist (and not would again), however in view of my passion, the RCA board approved it…and our lifetime musical journey started.”

Clive Davis became Whitney Houston’s good friend and lifetime mentor

Davis’ investment in Houston used to be so deep that it took two years to complete her debut album. It was once necessary for Davis to to find the easiest songs and craft the correct image for Houston as he knew she’d be a timeless artist. 

Related: Whitney Houston Produced Some of Your Favorite Family Movies

Houston remained with Davis for everything of her career, which spanned nearly 30 years. In that time, underneath Davis’ course, Houston released over a dozen albums including soundtracks and compilation albums, starred in 5 movies, and produced sold-out international tours.

Of Houston, Davis informed Rolling Stone in 2019, “She become the greatest singer of her era. She had a vocal genius. She may just become a music and make it other.”

Houston additionally made Davis the godfather of her only child, Bobbi Kristina Brown. 

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