February 19th, 2013
10:17 AM ET
Clive Davis reveals bisexuality in new memoirIndustry legend Clive Davis is recounting both his personal and professional life in a new memoir called "The Soundtrack of My Life." The exec, who helped form the careers of artists like Whitney Houston, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen and Alicia Keys, focuses mainly on his work with such varied and marquee stars over the past five decades, Rolling Stone reports. But it wouldn't be a memoir if Davis didn't get personal.
Toward the end of his tome, the 80-year-old record exec goes into detail about his sexuality. Davis, who's twice-divorced, reportedly explains that he began to explore relationships with men during "the era of Studio 54." On one particular evening, Davis writes that he was "open to responding to [the] sexual overtures" of a gentleman admirer. "Was I nervous? Absolutely," Davis writes, according to Entertainment Weekly. "Did the heavens open up? No. But it was satisfying." Through subsequent years, Davis writes, he held relationships with both men and women. He's been in a monogamous relationship with a man for the past seven years. Timed in conjunction with his book's February 19 release, Davis will also appear on Katie Couric's daytime show "Katie" to discuss the stories he's chosen to share. In a preview clip of their Tuesday chat, the exec explains to Couric, as he reportedly does in the book, that he considers himself to be bisexual. "I'm still attracted to women. You don't have to be only one thing or another," Davis says. "For me it's the person. I'm in a monogamous relationship, [and] I respect monogamy. And I hope that this is understood." |
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Mr. Davis,
Thank you, so much for all the artists you've helped bring to the public. I grew up seeing your name on the linear notes of so many of my favorites artists projects, for so many years. I believe I recall an interview with Alicia Keys where I believe she said, you might have given her a pink piano at the launch of her career. That was one of the most beautiful stories I've ever heard about investing in someone's potential.
To see Whitney Houston portrayed as a princess with cloth draped over one shoulder on her first album cover is an image I will remember all my life. To see the talent in Barbra Streisand, Brittney Spears, and Jennifer Hudson are such tremendous gifts to the world, or perhaps the universe as Deepak Chopra speaks of good vibrations.
I hope you're scheduled to appear on Tavis Smiley, because longer format interviews are so nice when it comes to music. Your book is probably packed with music history, and destined to be a smash.
Piers,
Alicia Keys is truly a renaissance woman, and one of the most positive souls I've seen on television, that would probably give a magical interview with inspiration for a diverse audience, in addition to depth about rising above poverty with dreams regardless of her childhood surroundings that were similar to the children of Chicago that you've occasionally spotlighted, as well as other major cities. Maybe she's already one of your scheduled guests since she has a new CD, and a smart phone ap for children. Robin Thicke might be a good guest too since he, and Maxwell are this era's Marvin Gaye.
Thank you, for the political interviews. The Rod Stewart, LL Cool J, Blair Underwood interviews were great, because it's always nice to look at positive spirits on the airwaves.
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I've always felt like Mr, Davis was bi or gay and thought he was a cute old guy still is
Kind of explains the mean, b____y remarks about Kelly Clarkson. That or too much Meow Mix for breakfast.
this may explain how puffy got the bad boy deal... people had been sayin for years that there was some funny business goin on at arista.
Who is Clive Davis?
Really? People actually say who is Clive Davis? Wow. You know how to google don't ya?
what is a google
God i hate it when people type comment s like 'who is Clive Davis'. WHO ARE YOU!? Get out of my face with your braindead coments ARRGH!
If this story were, instead, about some hot young starlet; I am sure many would not only be interested, but would be searching the Internets Tubes for pictures.
But because it is about some old guy, all of a sudden people are repulsed.
Fact of life: More people would rather shag a hot starlet than a middle aged dude. Another fact of life: Hot starlets who are "bi" are hotter than middle aged dudes who are "bi."
That it took you this long to figure these things out is really sort of sad.
Thomas, why did it take Big Al to explain something to you that really not mystifying to ANYONE but you?
OMG! I am so tired of theses ppl coming out. Stay the h*%# in the closet. Nobody cares. I'm so sick of it !!!!!!!!!!!!
To the media.... find something that's worth reporting. Look into the LAPD and the corrupt police force. Find out why innocent ppl had to die.
Agreed about hearing about people's personal preferences – keep them personal.
But I thought it was pretty clear why people died in SoCal – a fat murderer went around randoming picking off victims.
Happened again yesterday in the same location ... in fact, this sort of mass murder happens all the time now. Really no mystery here. Thank God both murderers were cowards afraid to face the music, and they both took the wuss way out – thankfully saving us millions of dollars feeding their fat azes in jail for 50 years.
Some stories do have happy endings!
Are you a closet case?
Fewer comments and clicks on an article means fewer articles on the topic. Therefore, you contribute to your own annoyance. Make that change you want to see in the world.
He's a disgusting filthy old man screwing women then men or vice versa. He's just an old FREAK with lots of money.
Clive Davis–Yuck! Now Clive Owen–gimme gimme!!
Several of the musical artists Clive Davis mentions in his book are no longer around to verify or refute his claims. If Clive Davis is saying things about them that aren't true, they can't defend themselves.
disgusting. I just vomited. you are not both. the man is gay.
Wrong. He is bi. S-xual orientation, like most issues, is a point on a scale and not an absolute.
Clive Davis must be driving crazy the people who like to think the world is all a simple-minded black and white.
That's just NASTY!!!
"I'm still attracted to women. You don't have to be only one thing or another,"
Yeah, you kinda do...
No, you don't.
Take it from me sonny, YOU DO
Sean Connery,
Clive Davis and many other people prove that you don't know what you are talking about, sonny.
Not in the sense of the *exclusive* "or." You could be both.
stop deluding yourselves...its embarassing to the rest of us
Sean Connery,
Speaking of delusional, any research would show you that many people are bis-xual. In interviews with porn actresses, for instance, they often say they enjoy being in bed with men or women. They are certainly not alone.
The simple-minded world of black-and-white on issues is just fantasy. Get into reality.
What fantastic news. I dare you to go to Saudi Arabia or Iran to make this incredible announcement to them.
It's called PR, if he did not release this "juicy" information about being Bi then he wouldn't head a headline on CNN, none of us would know about the book and we would not be commenting about it. Sensitive subjects maximize awareness building, this is playing out exactly as he planned.
nice man–wonder why he would talk about his other life now. according too the paper everyone knew anyway...so he's bi who cares. its his business
s*x in the AFTANOON - don't start with the past–before i start with yours...be nice....
Of course Davis provided a lot of other information, but CNN choses to push their "alternate lifestyle" agenda by focusing on this. No wonder fewer and fewer people watch CNN every day – they are pathetic.
Spoken like a true BIGOT!
That's a interesting point.
I agree with T in Dallas, who cares. The book must really be dull if he has to drag his mattress out in public to get anyone to buy a copy of it. Nasty, nasty old man!
Why do celebs and other famous people think we care about their perversions? Nasty old man!
Stupid Texan. People being who they are is not perverse. Trying to force everyone to your will is. Fool.
An orientation isn't a perversion. That language is only used by religious people who are ignorant of reality. It's a natural occurrence within nature as part of s-e-x-u-a-l selection. It doesn't meet any qualifications to be classified as a disorder that need to be treated. Its a normal variant. People don't necessarily have to announce anything for people to know. Just being in a relationship can reveal ones orientation, so it can't be ignored.
To T in Dallas....Perversions? Why is it every time I see something on a blog from the South, the midwest etc. it wreaks of bigotry. Don't you people have anything else to do? I'm sure if we were to take a look see in your bedroom there might be something someone somewhere finds objectionable. Please do the country a favor bigot people-DO NOT BREED, DO NOT TEACH, DO NOT MENTOR. Simply shut up.
....and no one cares about your perversions either.
Hey Bob... Isn't it bigotry to say all the southerners and miswesterners are bigoted? I'm in the midwest and am certainly not a bigot. I don't appreciate the insult.
Quelle suprise!!
That explains how a lot of people got record deals..
Gross
Then don't participate.
Ewwwwwwwww
all yal upinions dont count its hir fealings that count not yurs
How can you tell the difference between Clive Davis and a wax figurine?
The real Clive has a fat one.
"And the number one thing I did NOT want to know about Clive Davis is..."
I guess he had to some out with something to give his book a jump start because who really cares about his life. Really!
You can't be serious...
He's not only probably serious, he is correct.
Absent his "omg! I'm BI", his book is a vapid retelling of boring tales already heard.
really, who cares?
And this would be a surprise to who exactly?
Ugh! ...well he does have a book to sell, after all.
lol
"What? You mean you @#$%ing wake up one day, toss a coin and say "heads it's bush, and tails, OH! Balls across the nose!"
Nice Diceman.....we missed your logic!
ok
after 50 years in the business he's coming out now? please.
Eh, you straights can keep him.
oh goody an old senile old man comes out...how quaint...
You know, I could've gone my WHOLE like without that tidbit of info. about Clive. Clive honey, keep what you do in the bedroom between YOU & to whomever you do it. Save a little mystery for Christ's sake!
Who cares who goes to bed with whom? This is not news.
Agreed
your 45 right soooooo your point?
Big new flash, not. Gross, yes.
I agree–people should not write these memoirs when they are already OLD as dirt–the visuals are just amazingly disturbing....eww.
Queen Bee, you will be old one day too you know. Plus for the most part the young don't write memoirs as they don't yet have the life memories to write about.
People really ought to be able to abstract away from considerations of that kind.
I don't know. I'm starting to think that when famous people come out with this stuff it's purely selfish aggrandisement aimed at cleaning up their legacy. He's getting old and probably wants to be the source rather than having it come out after he's gone. That way everyone will think he's honest to a fault. I think if a guy's had a couple of wives and four kids maybe he ought to keep this kind of personal information to himself.
Or to sell books!!
Why do so many famous people feel the need to share the most intimate and often, most banal details of their lives? Do they really believe that we care that much about them?
It's news because CNN doesn't care if you post negative or positive comments, they just want you to click on the article, and increase the number of hits. The more hits, the more ad revenue they can charge.
So, when all you "who cares" types come posting, you tell CNN that they can count on you to click on these articles in the future.
The only way to *truly* register that you don't care is by NOT clicking...as soon as you click, your words don't matter to CNN. You clicked, they win.
A lot of times, it's because if they don't, one of the tabloids will. You know how the magazines love to print stories about the private lives of celebrities. If the celebrity becomes aware that the story is coming out, they sometimes decide to announce it on their own to preempt the magazine and reduce the shock value.
Maybe he shared it because it's a book about his life? Mindblowing isn't it?
Not sure if its mind blowing but he was definitely blowing something...
Shocking – NOT.
NOT exactly NEWS!
Can you still even do anything at 80? Sort of a moot point I think.
Oh dear g-d. Thank you for not spelling it "mute."
He's gay.
Who's Clive Davis, and who CARES?
Apparently YOU cared enough to read the article and comment on it!
Apparently, you're completely clueless, and ignorant. I suggest you Google Clive Davis then your ignorant self will have been enlightened. If it weren't for Clive Davis a lot of MUSICAL LEGENDS would never have been heard of. SMH
In other news, my dog took a dump about three feet away from where he usually goes... never saw it coming.
Crap...I just stepped in it...
Ew. TMI.
The news of this fills me with no strong feelings one way or the other.
Yup, here we go, Clive Davis is just another Atheists that just came out of the closet.
Where did he say he's an atheist in that story?
i think you meant 'republican'
Clive who cares?
I'm straight and proud of it. I'm glad I finally said it!
You aren't stigmatized for being straight. You don't have to hide the fact that your straight. That's the difference. Otherwise there would be no such articles about "reveals bi-s-e-x-u-a-l-i-t-y". It would have been a non issue that no one rumored or gossiped about. Common sense.
Jeez, just the mention of the word gay and all the little boys fill the page with their locker room commentary. Im going to tell you all a secret based upon several decades of gay experiences .....EVERY man can be had given the right time and place. Dont let them fool you girls. If a guy is in the right mood, in the right place and needs relief, as long as he believes that no one will ever tell his friends or expose him, he will whip it out for the first available orifice. Watch for all the reponses to this, the ones that scream the loudest are the ones that have something to hide. True True.
liar. just because you caved does not mean EVERY guy will. i have a few friends in the army that were gay, before gay was okay. one is a hound-dog, sniffing for it everywhere. the other two are in monagamous relationships for several years with the same partner for years, now.
-TheBigSarge
you just got to be a smooth talker. ive bagged and tagged my fair share of "straight" guys. alcohol is great motivating factor so is having a gf. no seriously, most of the guys i slept with who were or identified as being "straight" were in a relationship with a girl. college is a hell of a drug.
You are lying dude! A guy steps to me like that and I would definitely reach for my pistol. Furthermore, it seems like every week a new public figure comes out as gay. Is it safe to say that the percentage of gay guys surpasses straight guys. I don't have anything against a guy who is gay but don't think you can inoculate everyone or you may find yourself cold and frozen.
Not true, thats the thinking of a delusional gay man.
You wish. Keep dreaming.
Good for him. Who gives a $*** what people think. Let live I say
Right on, Josh. I wish more people thought like you.
i thought he was gay!
Who gives a rip what this old queen says?
Ohhhh- what a surprise!!!
If thats the case then I am going to be a weird old straight guy.
she may head to the fashion industry she's gotton enough offers....hahahaha
I'm shocked–shocked I tell you–hard to believe he likes women
we knew! its ok!!! its the actual leaving the building that's the part! i have 2 other homes ahead, need rest, and 1 semester i will do during the day....all good!!!!! seeo wants me too stay dont think i will....time for a change!
Chicks don't want an old dude...but an old dude still has to bust a nut!! Tattoo that butt to look like a va-jay-jay and 80 old gramps is good to go!
man, th eway this is going I can see one day its goingto be weird if a person is straight. Well, im not gay or Bi..Im a straight man who loves females and I say im dam proud of that...Big ups to the straight men of the world..
Congrats that you are straight... Why feel the need to remind yourself?
Big ups. I too love women and I'm not gay or bi. For some people on here to think that every man is gay or bi or hiding something is sadly mistaken.
...that you felt the urge to type this, has me questioning whether or not ou are so deep in the closet ou found the mislabeled kwanza presents.
I guess he felt the need to remind himself the same way Clive feels the need to remind himself. Personally, I don't know why we are so obsessed with each other's bedroom activities. Good for him if he is happy. But it has no bearing on his achievements in the music industry. Unless he was required to do it to move ahead or he required others to do it for their career. Then it would be an entirely different story ...
Well, this certainly explains why some guys got their music out there...
and why quite a few girls didn't...
You can get bi-sectional sofas at Slumberland for a reasonable price in assorted colors. It doesn't matter how your room is configured, or whether you need put your furniture on the left or right side of the room - this sofa can go both ways!
I'm straight. Man that feels good to get that out there.
I'm a one woman man. But I wasn't born that way. God changed my life. But now everyone is going to call me a bigot.
our department folded - now i can take that vacation–good thing seo wants me...and i have other offers...
right now i will be taking the rest i've needed for along time....take care....you have new material to poke fun of now.
Good for him. Who cares what other people think. The world is too pious and mighty to begin with.
OK I am coming clean. I hate people but love animals.
People and animals hate U too.
good part is i have offers and can finally take that rest i've been waiting for...best of luck too all of
you have new material now.....
When he was starting recording careers, did they call him a recording executive? When he was producing stars, did they call him a star producer? But suck just one....
lol. Thanks.
Is he a Penn State alumnist?
Jerry was str8.
Newsflash: If Jerry was attracted to boys, he wasn't straight. Doesn't matter if he was married and claimed to be. He wasn't. If he were a straight pedophile, he would have gone after young girls.
So? Why mention it now? Is he looking for a date or something? Ewwwwwwww old guy alert.
we like clive letterman...continue on my dear–
its what we said 6 months ago.....she's addicted, isolated and can't stop....now let's get off the machine please.
The only question worth debating here is WHY this guy thinks he "has to" reveal this. Who in the world cares? Or is it because he knows, subconsciously or otherwise, that he's sick, and wants to make a confession. So why doesn't he confess to his priest or minister and leave the rest of us out of it? We're just not interested, so SHUT UP ABOUT IT!
The first sentence in the article was a tough read, huh?
Where is there any indication he thought he "had to" reveal this? Perhaps he just wanted to.
I used to bat right handed. Then I switched to left handed. Now I just insert the bat in the middle.
Dude, c'mon, no such thing as bi, he's another butt burglar who decided to come clean..
Don't knock it until you've tried it...
Gargamell, do not be so ignorant. You should be ashamed of yourself.
The sun will still shine tomorrow. No big deal.
what are you wearing...
your not a book seller–your stoopid
You're not an English major.
am I.......
Yesterday I had yogurt for breakfast. Today I had cereal.
Perv...
So? This is hardly news in this day and age. The only thing is that today people can talk about who they are. Especially if they have books to sell.
wow
I want to publicly announce that I am straight. Why we have to announce our proclivities, I don't know, but there you go.
Maybe because everyone assumes you are straight even when you are gay or bi? Your orientation is automatically acknowledged, accepted and celebrated. That's why you fail to understand.
No, I think it has more to do with people's pathetic need to be "acknowledged, accepted and celebrated."
Daniel- what a pathetic argument... and defensive... sounds like your part of the GAY AGENDA....
> No, I think it has more to do with people's pathetic need to be "acknowledged, accepted and celebrated."
DING DING DING... we have a winner
she's still talking after all we've done too it...
Few, if any,people are 100% straight or 100% gay.
Hey, Gmac Era! Could you send me a copy of the "Gay Agenda"? I'd like to see what's on it.
Seriously, the powers that be isnt perfect. People are born with too much or to little androgens/testosterone... that create the sub group of the human species that label themselves LGBT
There is no sub group of the human species that label themselves LGBT. There is only you sub human bigots and raciest neanderthals that think your so much better then everyone else. Don't demean people then go to your church and think your a saint, you hypocrite.
Ron, you are a moron. The word sub group is not derogatory. Son you might be legally retarded.
I lost respect for Davis today. He just can't get enough of anything. He promoted NO Talent Bruce Springsteen. Only in American.
Springsteen does have talent. He's just a dope.
Once you cross that kink line you're gay. Yous a freeek. You partake or "explore", you're a ho_mose_xual. Bi-se-xuality is a myth, no such thing.
Wishful thinking on your part.
Just because you and I are gay, doesnt mean someone else can't go both ways.
No but ignorance abounds, as you so surely demonstrate.
After reading all these comments, it's no wonder there's so much suicide and hate crimes in our country. The whole reason he probably has to say he's bi is because our society doesn't accept people for who they are. you should all look in the mirror before judging....
What a ridiculous thing to say ashamed. I'm a bi man not because I'm secretly gay and afraid to come out but because I'm attracted to both genders.
I agree with you Kyle. Thanks for the post.
It would be better if the article didn't come with a shiny oily picture –
Never heard of him – don't care –
Way to go, Clive. You coming out of the closet will make it that much easier for the next person.
Here we go again. Why oh why do those who identify with anything other than straight, feel the need to divulge what/whom they prefer in the bedroom? NOTHING is private, NOTHING is sacred. Why? "Do" whomever you please, that's YOUR business, but please stop informing the world. Good grief!!!
I hate to break it to you but memoirs /books about straight people included who/what they went to bed with too.
Pssst, straight people sleep around too – then a write book about it or make a s e x tape.
justme/lesmoore: swooooooooosh! That is the sound of my point going over your head.
WHO CARES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tell us something we didn't know.
.
Just one look at him gives me the creeps. Put him in black clothes and a wi=hite collar and he will be doing mass next week if the pope sees him.
what a shocker. the rich record industry type is bi. In his book does he apologize for giving us Whitney Housten. I never understood the appeal of the ultra slick corporate gloos 80's music that black people seemed intent on passing off as soul, but, hey it makes sense now. He's a Gay man.
Exactly. There were some on the label that refused to give in to this garbage and were either shelved or left on their own. I've heard from insiders that Whitney had to re-do "Saving All My Love For You" because it sounded "too black". $$$$$$$ is the bottom line but Whitney sold out for it too.
no camera's that night please
check craigslist sometime for all the "straight" guys looking for M+M hookups bis exuality is probably the unadmitted norm
Whatever floats his boat!
Ewwwwwwwwwww.
nasty old pervert.
Meh
file it under desperate house wives–
Now you see what i deal with on a daily basis–hopefully we may have too locate them "fine" them and i'll just give it too a hospital...i paid the grand loan off....do you see what is happening on this blog now for 6 months-can you understand the abuse i'm dealing with on a daily basis
Now you see what i deal with i a daily basis–hopefully we can locate and fine them through the nose so i can give it too a hospital...get whats going on the last 6 months?
well this was no revelation at all. did he also reveal that whitney houston liked cocaine?
paid off - we know its 5 we don't know which 5 but there are 5 involved in madonna's life....
tom...the 5 stink...
Ewwwwww TMI dude. TMI
He R....ewwwwwwwwwwww??? Reeeeeally? Ya know the year is 2013...and it's been more than okay for people to be or love whomever they want to be for years now. It's also okay to talk about it. Bet you'd be bragging all over the place about a specific conquest and talking in detail about it....if ANYONE was interested in you. So get over it.
@Tom what's popular has never equaled what is right. God's opinion view not changed.
@Tiffany
God hasn't changed his views on slavery, either:
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ." – Ephesians 6:5
I am fortunate enough to not believe in or worship this immoral being. Sucks for you, but yours is probably the kind of mind that such immorality appeals to.
@Michael... the Bible didn't say slavery was cool by him; it just said that if you happen to be a slave (which was common when the Bible was written), you should obey your master. The Bible was pretty clear (in the New Testament) that ALL are equal in the eyes of God; man, woman, Jew, Gentile. You also have to remember that slavery then was very different than the chattel slavery practiced a couple of centuries ago.
Having said all that, in response to Clive's memoir. I say, right on. Glad he finally feels free to be open about his life. Of course, my guess is that most people in the industry already knew this and it's just news to us.
I could have gone through the rest of the day without knowing this.
why? how does this affect your life? it doesn't.
I have to agree with Bubbar. I wish people could just get on with their lives and not leave the details out in the open. Most of us don't care and just wish they would go die for telling us about it.
The headline cleary stated the subject, but you were drawn to it somehow.....
Now that wasn't a very nice thing to say.
Looking like that, I bet he has to take his loving any way he can get it.
meanie