For Eurythmics fans, however, Clive Davis was more than a legendary record executive. He was one of the people who recognised the extraordinary potential of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart and helped provide the platform that allowed their music to reach audiences on a truly global scale.

Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Davis never set out to work in the music business. Trained as a lawyer and educated at New York University and Harvard Law School, he joined Columbia Records in a legal role before rising through the ranks to become president of the company in 1967. His attendance at the Monterey Pop Festival that same year proved to be a defining moment. Seeing the cultural landscape changing before his eyes, he embraced the new generation of artists that would transform popular music. 

Following his departure from Columbia, Davis founded Arista Records in 1974. It was there that he created one of the most impressive artist rosters in the history of the recording industry. Among the iconic names that found a home at Arista were Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Patti Smith, Carly Simon, Daryl Hall & John Oates and, importantly for us, Eurythmics.

The early 1980s were a remarkable period for Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. Having created their own unique blend of pop, rock, soul and electronic music, Eurythmics exploded onto the international scene with Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). Yet success in America was never guaranteed for British acts. The United States remained the world's biggest music market and breaking through there required belief, commitment and support from the right people.

Clive Davis understood artists. He understood songs. More importantly, he understood careers.

While many executives focused on chasing the next hit single, Davis was known for building long-term success. His approach was based on identifying distinctive voices and helping artists reach their full potential. Eurythmics fitted perfectly into that philosophy. Annie Lennox possessed one of the most recognisable and emotionally powerful voices of her generation, while Dave Stewart's vision as a songwriter, producer and creative force allowed the duo to continually reinvent themselves without losing their identity.

Under the Arista banner, Eurythmics flourished in America. Albums such as Revenge helped establish them as one of the defining acts of the decade. Hit singles including Missionary Man secured the duo a loyal audience on both sides of the Atlantic.

Davis often spoke about recognising greatness when he heard it. Throughout his career he championed artists with unique voices and authentic artistic identities. Looking back, it is easy to see why Annie Lennox stood out. She was never interested in fitting into conventional expectations of a pop star. Instead, she carved her own path, becoming one of the most respected singers and songwriters in contemporary music.

That respect continued long after the initial success of Eurythmics. Annie remained part of the extended family of artists associated with Davis throughout her solo career. She performed at his prestigious annual Pre-Grammy Gala events and was regularly included among the celebrated artists whose careers had intersected with his extraordinary journey through the music business.

What made Clive Davis special was not simply his commercial success. The industry has always had executives who understood business. Davis understood people. Time and again, artists spoke about the confidence he gave them and the belief he showed in their abilities. His reputation as "the man with the golden ears" was built not only on his ability to spot talent but also on his willingness to nurture it. 

For Eurythmics fans, his legacy lives on in every song that found a wider audience because someone in a position of influence believed it deserved to be heard. The story of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart is ultimately one of talent, determination and artistic courage, but it is also a reminder of the importance of champions like Clive Davis. People who recognised something special and did everything they could to help it reach the world.

As fans celebrate the remarkable life of Clive Davis, they celebrate a man whose influence can be heard across generations of music. His vision helped create careers, launch classics and connect artists with millions of listeners around the globe.

For Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart and Eurythmics, he was one of the people who opened doors when it mattered most.

For music lovers everywhere, he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy.

Clive Davis heard greatness. The rest of the world was fortunate that he acted on it.