The Clive Davis Correspondence consists of letters between Clive Davis and various Arista and RCA recording artists and executives, spanning the years 1963 to 2001. In the correspondence, Davis and the artists discuss songs, lyrics, albums, and videos, as well as critical reception of the artists' works, touring arrangements, record deals, and contracts. There are handwritten notes from several artists, including Aretha Franklin, Kenny G., Barry Manilow, Carlos Santana, and Carly Simon. The collection presents a sample of late 20th century American popular music, provides perspective on the artistic decisions and business practices of the sound recording industry during that period, and illustrates the relationships between recording artists and executives. The correspondence is arranged alphabetically by artist name, with a folder of miscellaneous letters and clippings at the end.
Notes
Citation: [Identification of item], Clive Davis Correspondence, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Processing Information: Processed by Christine Borne, Project Archivist. Completed June 17, 2010. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Acquisition Note: The Clive Davis Correspondence was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. as a gift from RCA Music Group, a unit of Sony BMG Music Entertainment, on June 3, 2005. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. transferred the collection to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. on March 31, 2011.
Access
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Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
