The New York Pops will honor industry legend Clive Davis at the orchestra’s 41st birthday gala, “The Soundtrack of Our Lives: A Tribute to the Legendary Clive Davis,” on Monday, Apr. 29, at 7:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. The orchestra will be joined by what is promised to be “a spectacular group of guest artists.”
The title of the event borrows the title of Davis’ 2013 autobiography and a 2017 documentary film on his life, now available on Netflix.
“We are thrilled to be honoring Clive Davis and his innumerable contributions to popular music,” said Steven Reineke, New York Pops music director and conductor, in a statement. “For decades, Mr. Davis has introduced us to countless favorite artists and songs, and shaped the American music landscape. Together with the 78 musicians of The New York Pops, we’ll revisit the soundtrack of our lives at Carnegie Hall.”
Proceeds from the Gala will support the New York Pops’ PopsEd music education programs. The concert will be followed at 8:30 p.m. by a black-tie optional dinner and dance at the Mandarin Oriental New York.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 11:00 a.m. Tickets to the concert and dinner dance are currently available for New York Pops donors of $100 or more by calling (212) 765-7677.
Davis, the chief creative officer for Sony Music Entertainment, previously held top posts at Columbia, Arista and J Records. In those years, he also oversaw Arista Nashville, LaFace Records and Bad Boy Records.
Davis has received four Grammy Awards as an album producer, including best album awards in three different genres — rock (Santana’s Supernatural, which also won the overall album of the year award), pop (Kelly Clarkson’s Breakaway) and R&B (Jennifer Hudson’s eponymous debut album). In 2000, he received a Trustees Award from The Recording Academy and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (with Patti Smith doing the honors). In 2010, The Recording Academy named The Grammy Museum theater in his honor. In November 2022, Davis was one of seven honorees of the National Portrait Gallery’s Portrait of a Nation awards.