Kelly Clarkson and Clive Davis had one of the most public artist-executive disagreements in pop music.
The late music exec, who passed away on Monday (June 22), was one of the industry’s most influential music execs, helping shape the careers of icons like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin.
Following Kelly‘s 2002 win on American Idol, Clive played a major role in helping launch her recording career at RCA Records.
Under his guidance, Kelly became one of the biggest pop stars of the ’00s, scoring hits like “Miss Independent,” “Since U Been Gone,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” and “Because of You.”
Reports surfaced of their relationship allegedly becoming strained by 2007 during the making and release of Kelly‘s third studio album, My December.
Kelly wanted the record to be more personal and rock-oriented than Breakaway, while Clive reportedly had concerns about its commercial direction, and whether it had a strong enough lead single. (She eventually led the album with “Never Again.”)
Still, Kelly defended him amid the stories in the press.
“Contrary to recent characterizations in the press, I’m well aware that Clive is one of the great record men of all time. He has been a key advisor and has been an important force in my success to date. He has also given me respect by releasing my new album when he was not obligated to do so,” she said at the time.
At the time, the disagreement became one of the biggest stories in the music industry. Kelly publicly defended the album and her creative choices, while reports surfaced that the label wanted changes made to the project before its release.
Years later, the conflict returned to the headlines when Clive revisited their disagreements in his 2013 memoir, The Soundtrack of My Life. He claimed Kelly became emotional during the album discussions and said he thought the album “did not have enough tracks with Top 10 potential,” via the New York Times.
Kelly disputed his account in a public statement, addressing the stories he included in the book about her first few albums: “I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don’t have to cower to anyone – even Clive Davis.”
“[Davis] says I burst into ‘hysterical sobbing’ in his office when he demanded ‘Since U Been Gone’ be on my album. Not true at all. His stories and songs are mixed up. I did want more guitars added to the original demo, and Clive did not…I resent him dampening that song in any way,” she added.
“I think Kelly Clarkson is a tremendous vocal talent and performer. In the book, I provide an in-depth look at our years together during which we shared major multi-platinum success, as well as a few creative differences. I am truly very sorry that she has decided to take issue with what I know to be an accurate depiction of our time together. Before the book was published, I had every fact checked with five independent individuals who were present on a daily basis throughout it all. The chapter as it is written was thoroughly verified by each and every one of them. I stand by the chapter as written in my book. At the same time I wish, and will always wish, Kelly’s talent and her career to soar to ever new heights,” he said in response.
Find out more about his passing.
Posted To:American Idol Clive Davis Kelly Clarkson Music
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