Clive Davis Talks Pre-Grammy Gala, Bruce Springsteen’s Anti-ICE Song, and Leadership

For over half a century, the most coveted invitation in music has been to the Clive Davis and Recording Academy Pre-Grammy Gala. Held annually on the eve of the awards, this event boasts a singular roster of performers and guests—from Beyoncé and Barbra Streisand to Jay-Z and Nancy Pelosi—that captures the essence of popular music across decades. While this year's Grammy Week carries a sense of relief, free from the wildfires or pandemic concerns of prior years, it unfolds against a starkly different national backdrop. The current political climate, marked by the Trump Administration's challenges to democratic norms, reached a tragic crescendo in Minneapolis with violent clashes between demonstrators and federal agents. The reported deaths of two non-violent protesters and the widespread detention of others by ICE inspired Bruce Springsteen to release the searing protest track, "Streets of Minneapolis."

In a traditional pre-Grammy interview at the Beverly Hilton, Variety spoke with Clive Davis. The legendary executive, now 93, famously signed Springsteen to Columbia Records in 1972 alongside A&R pioneer John Hammond, giving him a unique vantage point on the artist's evolution. While Davis, as always, declined to reveal specific details for Saturday's gala, the sound of K-pop anthem "Golden" by Demon Hunters echoed from a rehearsal in the ballroom. He also hinted that a tribute to rock icon Ozzy Osbourne was "within the realm of possibility," especially following his presentation of the inaugural Clive Davis Visionary Award to Ozzy's wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, just days earlier.

When asked about Springsteen's new politically charged song, Davis admitted he had not yet heard it but had read the coverage. He reflected on his early belief that Springsteen and Bob Dylan would emerge as America's poet laureates. "The fact that he's written this song certainly fits his emergence as one of the two poet laureates of America," Davis stated. He recalled his primary challenge upon signing Springsteen was to differentiate him from Dylan, meticulously briefing Columbia's national staff on the unique symbolism in Springsteen's lyrics to avoid facile comparisons. Davis also shared a famous anecdote about respectfully asking the young artist for more radio-friendly material, a request that yielded the classic tracks "Spirit in the Night" and "Blinded by the Light." This approach exemplifies what former colleagues call Davis's "polite pass"—delivering necessary feedback without crushing an artist's spirit.

Discussing leadership in turbulent times, Davis drew a parallel to the early 2000s, when file-sharing threatened the industry's very foundation. "I thought of the students at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU—was I steering them into a dying industry?" he recalled. His faith in music's enduring role in society kept him optimistic. "You're in the pursuit of a profession of an art form that's needed permanently," he affirmed. While the gala will showcase the year's best music, Davis confirmed there are no planned political statements regarding ICE, though he acknowledged the potential for unscripted moments. "That's for sure!" he added.

Turning to the evening's honorees, Republic Records founders Monte and Avery Lipman, Davis praised their sustained excellence. "You don't have a hot streak if you never cool off, and they never cool off," he noted. He also highlighted new artists who have impressed him, like Olivia Dean and Alex Warren, while acknowledging the monumental success of established figures like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar. Davis remains an avid listener of the weekly Top 20, a habit he maintains both for enjoyment and to stay informed for conversations with artists like Alicia Keys, whom he describes as "brilliant" and "well-informed." As the gala enters its 51st year, Davis's pride is evident. "The notes I get from people looking forward to it make me feel great," he said. "It's more in-demand and vibrant than ever."