Music Mogul, Native Brooklynite Clive Davis Awarded Key To NYC

BROOKLYN, NY — Brooklyn native and celebrated music mogul Clive Davis has been given New York City's "highest honor" for his decades-long career.

The 89-year-old record producer and music executive was awarded a key to the city by Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday as a celebration of his contributions to the Big Apple, most recently in helping set up a massive "Homecoming Concert" in Central Park.

"When I called him about the Homecoming Concert he instantly said, not just yes, but 'I’m going to make it happen and it’s going to be one of the greatest collection of artists you’ve ever seen,'" de Blasio said. "That is love and commitment to the City of New York."

The concert, which drew thousands before being halted by rain delays, was intended to mark New York City's recovery from the coronavirus crisis.

Davis helped organizers secure top-name artists whose careers he played a pivotal role, including Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and Jennifer Hudson, according to de Blasio.

The music mogul grew up in Crown Heights and attended P.S. 161 and Erasmus Hall High School before beginning his career in the music industry as a lawyer for Columbia Records.

His accomplishments include five Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a career he credited Tuesday to an "invaluable work ethic" spurred from his New York City upbringing.

"My memories are filled with the richness, the diversity of this great borough, part of this great city and certainly part of me wherever I go and whatever I’ve done," he said, reflecting specifically on playing stick ball on Union Street, touch football in Prospect Park and visiting Brighton Beach, the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Gardens.

Davis said his role in the Homecoming Concert was a symbol of his gratitude to the city.

"...New York city has fought back and will continue to fight back," he said. "New York City will unquestionably be better than ever and, I want you to know, I will be there to help make sure of that with every fiber of strength that I have."