Clive Davis died on June 22, 2026, at age 94. The iconic record producer helped shape plenty of careers and helped skyrocket artists like Barry Manilow and Whitney Houston to superstardom. His funeral took place on June 29 in New York City at Manhattan’s Central Synagogue. Many celebrities attended the celebration of Clive’s life, according to the Associated Press. Big names included Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, and Stevie Wonder. Notably absent from the funeral was Clive Davis’ dear friend, Paul Simon. The Sound of Silence singer shared a letter, obtained by Today, that is nothing short of profound.
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Paul Simon Adored His Friend Clive Davis
Doug Davis, Clive Davis’ son, addressed attendees before reading Paul Simon’s letter. He explained that in his father’s death, he was able to reconnect with someone very special to him.
“I hadn’t spoken to Paul in 40 years. He and I have been able to speak every day this past week to reminisce and for me to receive some needed paternal advice and love,” he shared. “I finally had the chance to say something I’d wanted to say to him for 40 years. I told him when I was kid, he was just Harper’s dad. I had no idea the whole time he was Paul Simon.”
Paul shared anecdotes about their friendship and a very powerful tribute to their future.
“A few weeks ago, my office got a message that Clive wanted to buy six seats to my upcoming concert at Forest Hills tennis stadium. The seats had to be dead center in the 10th row. When I play that night I’ll be singing for everyone, but in my heart I’ll be dedicating the night to the man in the empty seat, dead center in the 10th row,” he wrote.
This story’s featured image is by Fairchild Archive/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images
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