The sold-out event on October 14th featured live performances, heartfelt tributes, and a star-studded celebration of Davis's almost six-decade music career.
STAMFORD, CT, October 21, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Avon Theatre Film Center celebrated an extraordinary night of music, film, and legacy at its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Gala honoring Clive Davis, the legendary record producer and five-time GRAMMY® Award winner whose influence has shaped generations of artists.
The sold-out event on October 14th featured live performances, heartfelt tributes, and a star-studded celebration of Davis's almost six-decade music career. Highlights included:
Musical performances by Ryan Shaw ("Bridge Over Troubled Water"), Mandy Gonzalez ("Don't Cry Out Loud"), Paul Shaffer ("Piano Man"), and Capathia Jenkins ("I Will Always Love You"), with Todd Ellison serving as music director.
Video tributes from Barbra Streisand, Martha Stewart, Melissa Manchester, and Steve Wonder honored Davis's unmatched contributions to the industry.
Presentation of the award by Pat Houston, Whitney Houston's sister-in-law, who delivered an emotional tribute recognizing Davis's enduring mentorship and his pivotal role in shaping Whitney Houston's career.
The evening concluded with all performers joining together for a moving rendition of "That's What Friends Are For," bringing the audience to its feet in celebration of friendship, artistry, and shared history.
Proceeds from the gala support the Avon Theatre's nonprofit mission to present independent, foreign, and documentary films, and to expand its educational and cultural programming in the heart of downtown Stamford.
In addition to the live event, the Avon's online auction remains open through Tuesday October 28, offering exclusive items, experiences, and collectibles to benefit the theatre. Bidding details can be found by clicking here.
About Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center:
The Avon Theatre - Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center is a member-supported, nonprofit, independent cinema committed to showcasing a curated selection of independent, foreign, classic, and documentary films. Nestled in the heart of downtown Stamford, CT, the Avon has stood as a cultural beacon for almost 85 years, enriching the community through unforgettable experiences that promote dialogue and inspire an appreciation for the art of cinema. Through its special programming, educational initiatives, and community engagement efforts, the Avon strives to create a dynamic space where film enthusiasts of all ages can come together to explore, discover, and celebrate the magic of the silver screen.
For more information about the Avon, including upcoming screenings, membership opportunities, and special events, please click here.
About Clive Davis:
Clive Davis began his career at Columbia Records where he was appointed president in 1967 and signed such legendary rock artists as Sly and the Family Stone, Earth, Wind & Fire, Billy Joel, Janis Joplin, Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Aerosmith and Chicago. In 1974, Davis co-founded Arista Records where he signed Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow and Patti Smith and further developed the careers of Aretha Franklin, the Grateful Dead, the Kinks, and Dionne Warwick. His business ventures include forming LaFace Records in 1989 with Babyface and L.A. Reid.
In 2000, J Records was born (in partnership with BMG) and emerged as a dominant force, producing the works of Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, Busta Rhymes and Luther Vandross. Davis was then appointed chairman/CEO of BMG U.S. Label Group where he oversaw an expanded RCA Music Group, including J Records, RCA Records and Arista Records. After BMG and Sony Music merged, in 2008 Davis was appointed Chief Creative Officer, Sony Music Worldwide, where he continues to nurture and develop talent. In 2000, Davis received the Trustees Award from the Recording Academy and was recognized with the President's Merit Award at the 2009 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons. As a humanitarian, Davis has made tireless efforts in the battle against AIDS, spearheading donations of millions of dollars for AIDS research. In 2002, the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music was created at his undergraduate alma mater, New York University. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School. His autobiography The Soundtrack Of My Life, published in 2013, has become the largest-selling book involving music in history and a New York Times bestseller. The Ridley Scott firm produced, and Chris Perkel directed, a documentary film on his life: Clive Davis: The Soundtrack Of Our Lives, which Apple TV, Apple Music and iTunes launched worldwide in 2017 and debuted at No. 1 on iTunes. The documentary has earned awards and accolades worldwide and made its premiere on Netflix in September 2019. In November 2022, Davis was also one of seven honorees of the National Portrait Gallery's Portrait of a Nation awards, and his portrait was painted by David Hockney.
In April 2024, Davis and his illustrious music career were celebrated at Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops 41st Birthday Gala, The Soundtrack of Our Lives: A Tribute to the Legendary Clive Davis. The star-studded evening featured memorable performances by music legends and contemporary stars including Dionne Warwick, Carlos Santana, Barry Manilow, Babyface, Busta Rhymes, Toni Braxton, John Mellencamp, Deborah Cox and more. In February 2025, Davis also celebrated another major career milestone moment with the 50th anniversary of his legendary star-stuffed annual Pre-Grammy Gala ahead of the Grammys. In June 2025, The Apollo Theater honored Clive Davis at the 2025 Spring Benefit with the Legacy Award and inducted him into their historic Walk of Fame.
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