Icon.
Indeed, there are few better words employable when describing music industry veteran Clive Davis.
Famed for steering the careers of megastars such as Whitney Houston, attention has rarely veered away from his gargantuan achievements. However, in a surprising move, the 80 year old has himself shared part of his private life in new memoir ‘The Soundtrack Of My Life’. Davis has revealed that he is bisexual — and has been in a long-term relationship with a man.
Full story after the jump…
Via Rolling Stone:
Davis, who has been married and divorced twice, has never before publicly addressed his sexuality. In a candid five-page section toward the end of the book, due in stores today, he writes that he first had a sexual encounter with a man during “the era of Studio 54.” “On this night, after imbibing enough alcohol, I was open to responding to his sexual overtures,” writes Davis, who says he had only been with women before. Being with a man, he writes, provided “welcome relief.”
After a period of “soul searching and self-analysis,” Davis separated from his second wife in 1985, and says that he went on to have simultaneous relationships with two women and a man. In 1990, he entered into a “monogamous relationship” with a male doctor, who is not named in the book. Although that relationship ended in 2004, Davis says he has been in a subsequent relationship with another man ever since. Davis writes that his coming out deeply affected his ties with one of his sons, Mitchell: After what Davis calls “one very trying year,” father and son worked out their differences, Davis says.
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Wow. Totally unexpected.
The magnitude of Davis’ announcement has little to do with the fact he is bi-sexual (that part of the story is almost inconsequential); it’s most significant because he is sharing an aspect of his life that both the industry and certain sects of society still look down on. This being irony defined as many in front of the camera as well as those who make the magic happen share the same “preference” as him.
In many ways then, despite being 80 years old, Davis is arguably still trailblazing. For, in having such an illustrious and respected career, he (like the Frank Ocean‘s of the world) is helping the industry move towards a space and place of heightened acceptance. A space and place where one’s sexual preference doesn’t negatively impact their career or perception of who they are.
36 COMMENTS
DDN
February 19, 2013 at 6:43 am
No matter what u do u cant run from the urges soon or later ge had to come out
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Kate Middleton
February 19, 2013 at 6:47 am
Disgusting, i can’t stand so-called bisexuals.
you are either gay or straight.
bisexuality = promiscuity.
they will be spreading their nasty diseases from 1 to the other.
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Let's Be Real
February 19, 2013 at 6:50 am
QUICK! Who are all the male stars Clive has worked with? Who had to suck Clive’s dusty dick for a record deal? Lol jk but I’m not surprised. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s full gay. I mean us gays do love ourselves a DIVA and he was the force behind Dionne, Aretha, the Diva Ultimate Whitney, and faux diva Jennifer Hudson so …I have to admit at first I thought I was dreaming when I read this ..I would congratulate Clive but…his actions after Whitney’s death? Bye Clive
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mr.m
February 19, 2013 at 6:53 am
Oh! That’s why he tried to get along with Mariah Carey
They would’ve made a good couple ..
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JUELZ
February 19, 2013 at 6:57 am
I love that he’s being quite clear about his bisexuality…..80 years into it. If he believes bisexuality is misunderstood (and it is), then he should have come out decades ago, when his visibility could have made a difference in terms of societal perceptions of queer people and how they are devalued – especially seeing that his peak years were in the 1970′s, a time in which the LGBTQ community were gaining prominence, following on from the Disco era, A.I.D.S outbreak etc… But better late than never, even if he’s one foot in the grave.
CONGRATULATIONS.
I wish both him and his partner well…
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Calvin
February 19, 2013 at 7:02 am
It’s safe to assume that the males he signed had to perform an act of intercourse to secure that record deal…
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J
February 19, 2013 at 7:05 am
who cares.. this is only gonna start a hate parade.
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ANDY
February 19, 2013 at 7:10 am
If only Whitney Houston had admitted her ‘TRUE’ sexuality and affirmed her ‘Bi-Sexuality/Lesbianism’… Who knows what would have happened?
Now I know, they both belonged to the LGBTQ community but were at their primes in different societal times, so the confession could have KILLED their careers.
Whitney Houston – being a BLACK woman from the church… and she was already facing controversy about her being a “sell-out/too white” etc…
And Clive Davis – being JEWISH, and the head of multi-billion dollar music co-operation.
OH WELL… We’ll never know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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jack
February 19, 2013 at 7:11 am
No suprise every performer in the music industry male or female have have to gett on their knees and open wide to get a record deal mainly females artist tho @shameful
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JJFan1814
February 19, 2013 at 7:18 am
Chiiiiile! Lol!!! That’s why he’s so successful! The gays have an ear for great music haha! The haters can’t deal that the gays are being soooooo successful and more and more accepted into society on a daily basis! Hahaha!
Yasssss Clive! Call him a fag, nasty, or whatever but remember this….
HE STILL GOT MO’ MONEY THAN YOOOOOOU.
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QUEEN MADONNA THOUGH!!!!!!!
February 19, 2013 at 7:18 am
So……. Both Whitney Houston & Clive Davis were gay/Bi-Sexual?
Awwwwwww. Go figure. It make sense also…
I wish they would’ve admitted it earlier though. But as @Andy said – they were both at their primes in the 1970′s and the 1980′s respectively – it may have killed their careers.
The only difference is – Clive is with his partner. Whitney is Dead. R.I.P.
SAD.
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Music Soul Harmony
February 19, 2013 at 7:35 am
Kate Middleton: nope. I find bi sexual ppl more loving and open minded unlike straight and gay ppl, they embrace the beauty of both genders! That doesn’t mean they screw everyone.
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christinastherealtalent
February 19, 2013 at 7:51 am
Oh shocker there. Now just announce that you and LA Reid have been lovers for the past 30 years and like Marsha Ambrosius says “Fuck n get it over with”
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Kate Middleton
February 19, 2013 at 7:56 am
@ music soul and harmony
open minded? bisexuality = promiscuity. there is no other way around it.
at the end of the day nothing beats a monogamous relationship whether its gay or straight
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My Forehead Tho
February 19, 2013 at 8:06 am
LMFAO
I didn’t expect that at all. I literally ‘laughed out loud’ when I read the title and seen his picture.
But anyways, that how it’s supposed to be. People who “come out” publicly like Frank Ocean and company annoy the shit out of me. I shouldn’t know who you’re fucking unless I see you together. People who announce their sexual orientation to the world only do it for attention.
A lot of these so called gay and lesbian celebrities could learn a lot from Clive.
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Aishaaguilerakeystesfaye
February 19, 2013 at 8:08 am
It’s not his sexual preference that matters but his endeavours. This man is not a pornstar, he’s a music producer. I personally don’t care if he’s bi or not, all I know is that I have a lot of respect for him concerning his career, he has discovered a lot of great talent, among which Alicia. And what’s up w/ all the vile comments towards Whitney, can’t she get any respect either now that she’s dead ?
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ladylady
February 19, 2013 at 8:17 am
More power to him for telling his truth at this age. I am sure it is no secret to any of the people who worked with him and it is ballsy to make it public.
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Savannah
February 19, 2013 at 8:22 am
I don’t believe in bisexuality. It’s either one or the other. Sorry! And I still think Clive is an evil, evil man.
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mr.m
February 19, 2013 at 8:33 am
It would’ve been better if he wrote it in his will ..
Bye
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Jay Scorpio
February 19, 2013 at 8:50 am
CHILE AINT NO BODY GOTZ TIME FOR THAT!!!!!!!!!
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Qutsar
February 19, 2013 at 9:09 am
Do bisexual also have to fight now to have bisexuality recognized as an entity on its own, straight and strictly gay people are so boring and rigorously biased in there thinking, Kate Middleton, you disappoint me.
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POP ROYALTY ( RUDE BOY)
February 19, 2013 at 9:38 am
a fuck should be given or what ? cuz i ran out of fucks to give already :roll;
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Mussy
February 19, 2013 at 9:46 am
Why is it a surprise? I mean, who really cares about Clive Davis from one day to the next!? I doubt he’ll be having a francine Ocean moment any time soon because his ass is too old and undesirable.
Although I feel that Cissy Houston maybe coming for him saying that he corrupted her daughter if she already didn’t know this info.
I’m happy that your chest feels lighter Clive. All imma need to hear is that your partner is Simon Cowell… Or that Simon is bisexual.
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Music Soul Harmony
February 19, 2013 at 9:48 am
Kate Middleton: Anyone can be promiscuous. Gay,straight, or bi. And why would you judge ALL bi sexual ppl when you don’t know them personally or their values? Another point of your ignorance.
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Music Soul Harmony
February 19, 2013 at 9:49 am
@Pop Royalty Come out of the closet. We already know you’re bi.
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Frachella la rue
February 19, 2013 at 10:48 am
Youll didn’t seriously doubt for a moment that there wasn’t a gay man behind the worlds most famous divas did u?? Lol love u clive! Divamachine!!
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Chile Please!!
February 19, 2013 at 10:57 am
I’m really trying to figure out why is this news? I mean does anybody really give a fawk? Being gay or people coming out of the closet is not anything new nowadays. The only thing is that why is it okay for Women to be gay or bisexsual…..but once when it’s a man they get called all kinds of f*****s, doo doo chasers, fudge packers…..ect.? WTF dose what someone do in the bed have to do with anyone else & make them so mad that they want to call someone all kinds of names? The killer for me it’s when people start saying that gay men is the reason for wide spread of HIV/AIDS…..bullshit! You should look at EVERYBODY as being that way & just protect yourself. Ugh I hate these post!
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Lisa
February 19, 2013 at 11:20 am
When a person who like both sex is mentally I’ll and greedy!
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POP ROYALTY ( RUDE BOY)
February 19, 2013 at 11:55 am
@MUSIC SOUL HARMONY :
i don’t mind ridin’ your father’s shapeless horny ass AGAIN tho, he seemed in deep need for it last night.
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The House
February 19, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Yes Frank for inspiring these queens(young and new) to come out . Lord Jesus its a firrrrrrreeeeee
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navyNik
February 19, 2013 at 1:31 pm
If you are not gay/bi, you really cannot relate, nor say you do not agree/believe in it. You do not know how it feels, nor what it is like, so let’s please stop the negativity people-its 2013! I clearly saw this years ago, I just felt he was into guys, it does not change anything, what he does in the privacy of his home is his business., GOD Bless.
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MISHKA
February 19, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Well, he’s a gay man who worships women. Pretty common nowadays.
I saw he brought Jordin Sparks to “Katie” , hopefully he’ll take her career in charge like he did with J-Hud and A-Keys.
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Maestro J
February 19, 2013 at 3:14 pm
ONLY a GAY MAN can sign Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick… I however always knew this SO I’m not surprised by the statements I AM surprised he finally actually ‘CAME OUT’ because I felt he always knew what kind of impact it would have on his career if anybody knew BUT I guess he said to himself one day ‘IM RICH BITCH & FUCK EVERYBODY ELSE ” WAY 2 GO CLIVE
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JOHNVIDAL
February 19, 2013 at 6:00 pm
Wow this is a huge surprise. Can´t believe he had all those relationships and for such long time. Like others have said on this post: the difference is that he got to live his life and Whitney is dead and had to leave that friend of hers behind cos of the pressure. Poor Whitney, RIP our angel The Voice
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Drew
February 21, 2013 at 1:19 am
I didn’t expect that coming from Clive Davis. How could he hide that for so long without anyone finding out he was in a relationship with another man? Well…whatever makes him happy, good for him.
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Frank Ocean Makes 'Out' Power List 2013 | ..::That Grape Juice // ThatGrapeJuice.net::.. || Thirsty?
April 11, 2013 at 8:18 am
[...] record executive Clive Davis (42) and Bravo boss Andy Cohen (14), OUT’s celebration of the groundbreaking vocalist comes [...]
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