Childhood and Education Journey of Clive Davis in Timeline

Updated: June 15, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Clive Davis, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Clive Davis is a highly influential American record producer and executive, renowned for his A&R expertise. A lawyer by training, he transitioned into the music industry, achieving considerable success. Davis has been honored with five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, recognizing his significant contributions as a non-performer.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

April 4, 1932: Clive Davis's Birth

On April 4, 1932, Clive Jay Davis was born. He would later become a prominent American record producer, A&R executive, record executive, and lawyer.

Others born on this day/year

1953: Graduation from New York University

In 1953, Clive Davis graduated magna cum laude with a degree in political science and Phi Beta Kappa from New York University College of Arts & Science.

1956: Graduation from Harvard Law School

In 1956, Clive Davis graduated from Harvard Law School, where he was a member of the Board of Student Advisers.

1956: Marriage to Helen Cohen

In 1956, Clive Davis married Helen Cohen.

1960: Birth of Son Fred

In 1960, Clive Davis's son Fred was born.

1962: Birth of Daughter Lauren

In 1962, Clive Davis's daughter Lauren was born.

1965: Divorce from Helen Cohen and Marriage to Janet Adelberg

In 1965, Clive Davis divorced Helen Cohen and married Janet Adelberg.

June 1967: Attendance at Monterey Pop Festival and Signing Janis Joplin

In June 1967, Clive Davis attended the Monterey Pop Festival and subsequently signed Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company.

1970: Birth of Son Mitchell

In 1970, Clive Davis's son Mitchell was born.

1974: Birth of Son Doug

In 1974, Clive Davis's son Doug was born.

December 30, 1978: Lyric Change in "Jack Straw" by Bob Weir

Starting on December 30, 1978, Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead occasionally changed the lyrics of the Dead standard "Jack Straw" in concert from "we used to play for silver, now we play for life", to "we used to play for acid, now we play for Clive."

Loading Video...