Bruce Springsteen Pays Tribute to Clive Davis at Music Exec’s Funeral: ‘He Was Born to Run … Everything’

Bruce Springsteen was among the music dignitaries to speak at Clive Davis’ funeral on Monday morning (June 29) at Central Synagogue in New York City.

Springsteen shared fond memories of his early days finding his footing in the music industry and how Davis’ tutelage shepherded him to stardom. (The Boss signed to Columbia Records in 1972, where Davis served as president, when he was just 22 years old, and the two have remained close friends for over half a century.)

He recalled turning in his Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. debut album, but Davis kicked it back to the rocker after listening and implored him to record songs that could have radio appeal.

That same night, Springsteen recalled, he wrote “Blinded by the Light” and “Spirit in the Night,” both of which went on to be singles from his debut and catalog-defining tracks. “Two songs that totally changed the profile and perception of that album,” he said. “Clive then filmed himself reciting the lyrics to ‘Blinded by the Light’ like it was some New Jersey Shakespeare.”

“Clive was big and bombastic and brave and full of ideas and just believed, believed, believed. He dressed like a king. He was born to run … everything,” Springsteen playfully continued.

The 20-time Grammy winner remembered meeting Davis for the first time after Columbia A&R John Hammond said he had to impress the legendary executive who had the final call on signing him to the label. “He was very kind and welcoming,” he shared. “When I finished, Clive smiling simply said, ‘Welcome to Columbia Records.’ With those few words, he changed my life forever. Nothing’s been the same since that day.”

Springsteen explained that Davis never missed a New York performance for the rest of his career, even attending his tour stop in Newark, N.J., earlier this year, which saw Davis standing up for the entire show.

“There isn’t a day when I don’t sit on my big front porch, in my big house, surrounded by my big cars, with my big family, looking out over my big yard that Clive doesn’t come somewhere whistling around the top of my brain,” he added.

Springsteen followed fellow stars in attendance, including a heartfelt speech from Alicia Keys and a poignant performance by Jennifer Hudson.

Clive Davis passed away at 94 on June 22 while surrounded by family at his New York home. A private burial followed on Monday afternoon. Springsteen concluded his remembrance: “Nothing but love, Clive, thank you.”