Clive Davis, one of the most powerful and longest-reigning titans of the music industry who guided the careers of Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow and dozens of other stars, has died at 94.

In the late 1960s, Davis propelled Columbia Records into the rock era with acts like Janis Joplin and Blood, Sweat & Tears. He also encouraged the jazz trumpeter Miles Davis to connect with the Woodstock generation. Later, at the Arista and J labels, he championed R&B-leaning pop divas like Houston, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson; seized on the commercial potential for hip-hop; and orchestrated major career revivals for Carlos Santana and Rod Stewart.

Davis, as the last chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment, was known as a relentless pursuer of hits and a symbol of continuity, with a career that survived numerous setbacks and corporate leadership sweeps.