Clive Davis, the music mogul who helped launch the careers of Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, has died at 94.

Davis died on Monday at his home in New York City. Reports said he recently received treatment for an upper respiratory infection. He returned home after leaving the hospital on June 4.

His family remembered him as a music executive whose influence shaped generations of artists.

“To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives,” the family said in a statement.

“He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.”

Davis spent more than 60 years in the music industry. He led Columbia Records as president from 1967 to 1973. In 1974, he founded Arista Records and ran the label until 2000. He later launched J Records and held senior roles at RCA Music Group and BMG North America.

He built a reputation for spotting talent and helping artists succeed. During his career, he worked with Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, Laura Nyro, Santana, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, Kelly Clarkson and Aerosmith.

“To his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the centre of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love,” the statement added.

Davis won five Grammy Awards and remained active in music well into his nineties. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted him as a non-performer in 2000.