94-year-old music executive Clive Davis hospitalized in New York for upper respiratory infection

Clive Davis was hospitalized in New York City on Friday evening after developing an upper respiratory infection, according to TMZ. The 94-year-old music executive, who helped shape the careers of Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Kelly Clarkson and several other major artists, was admitted as a precaution. His team expects him to leave the hospital soon, and TMZ reported that his spokesperson said the stay was not expected to be long.

Clive Davis's health update

According to TMZ, a spokesperson for Davis said he was admitted to a New York City hospital on Friday evening. The representative told the outlet that Davis was suffering from an upper respiratory infection and was hospitalized “out of an abundance of caution.”

The spokesperson also said Davis is “expected to be released in the next 24 hours.” TMZ published the report on May 29, 2026, at 7:11 PM PDT, and described the hospitalization as an exclusive.

Davis has faced health issues before. TMZ noted that he was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy in February 2021. The latest hospitalization comes years after that diagnosis and centers on a respiratory infection, the outlet reported.

Clive Davis's music career and legacy

Davis remains one of the most influential figures in the music business. He is widely known for helping guide the careers of Houston, Franklin, and Clarkson. His work also reached into hip-hop through Bad Boy Records, which he founded with Sean “Diddy” Combs.

The veteran executive also became known for his Grammy parties, which drew major names from music, film, and television for decades. His annual events became a regular part of Grammy week and helped keep him at the center of the entertainment industry.

Davis received one of music’s major honors in 2000, when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the non-performers category. The Grammy Museum also named its 200-seat theater after him, marking his long role in the recording industry.

TMZ reported that Davis’ current hospital stay is expected to be brief. His team has not announced any further complications.