If you think Clive Davis was just some behind-the-scenes record guy, think again.
“Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives” is like watching a living sports dynasty unfold—only it’s in the music world, and
He’s the GOAT calling the plays, discovering legends (Bruce, Whitney, Janis, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd, Simon and Garfunkel!) and redefining an entire industry.
This doc will surely be in my top 5 when I finish my list of “Best Music Producer Documentaries”
Trailer for “Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives”
Watch “Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives”
You can watch the Clive Davis doc on:
- Netflix at https://www.netflix.com/title/80190588
- Apple TV (but you have to buy it ($12.95 last I checked)
You can find the latest streaming options at https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/clive-davis-the-soundtrack-of-our-lives
Ratings:
- My Rating: 96/100
- IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 88/100 (Users); 82/100 (Critics)
Release Date: April 19, 2017
My Review of “”Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives””
The Power Behind the Hits
“Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives” pulls back the curtain on one of the most powerful figures in music history. Directed by Chris Perkel, this doc explores how Davis—who didn’t even start in music—shaped the sound of generations.
His influence touches everything from rock to pop, from Bruce Springsteen to Whitney Houston. It’s a staggering legacy that feels impossible to fully grasp, but this documentary does a solid job of walking you through it all.
Davis started at Columbia Records in the 1960s, with zero music experience. Yet, by the early ‘70s, he was signing legends like Springsteen.
That’s the hook of this doc: Davis didn’t just have a great ear, he had a sixth sense for talent. It’s not about luck. It’s about Davis seeing what no one else saw. His vision built Arista Records and turned him into the man behind the stars.
The Whitney Era
The doc hits its emotional core when it dives into Whitney Houston’s story. Davis discovered Houston in 1983, and he made sure her voice reached every corner of the globe.
That partnership was magic. Watching him talk about the first time he heard her sing will give you chills. He knew instantly she was the real deal. And Davis crafted her image with precision. She sold over 200 million records because Davis didn’t just believe in her talent—he cultivated it.
The Whitney section of the film also doesn’t shy away from the heartbreak. You see Davis helpless as her life spirals out of control.
Their relationship was more than just artist and manager. He was her mentor, her friend, and in many ways, a father figure.
It’s a tough watch, but it’s real. Davis’s pain over her death is palpable, and this doc doesn’t sugarcoat it.
A Hit-Maker for the Ages
Davis wasn’t just a one-artist wonder. His ability to launch careers didn’t stop with Whitney. As the doc unfolds, you see his fingerprints all over other icons—Patti Smith, Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, even Santana.
His influence stretched into genres and artists you wouldn’t expect. Davis had an uncanny ability to sense hits and guide careers across decades. He wasn’t just signing artists, he was crafting legacies.
This doc gives you the inside look at those pivotal moments. You see Davis telling Santana to collaborate with younger artists, which led to Supernatural, a massive album in 1999. That’s Davis in a nutshell—always a step ahead, always finding a way to reinvent and remain relevant.
The Hard Truths
Not all of Davis’s career was smooth. The film does touch on his 1973 firing from CBS Records due to allegations of financial improprieties.
He bounced back by creating Arista Records, where he was back on top almost instantly. The doc acknowledges these darker moments but doesn’t dwell on them.
It’s more focused on what Davis did after—building something even bigger.
The fact that he came back stronger just adds to the myth of Clive Davis. This isn’t some rags-to-riches story; it’s a tale of resilience and laser-sharp instinct. Every move he made, from founding Arista to signing Alicia Keys in the early 2000s, feels strategic and calculated.
Lesser-Known Stories
There’s a great anecdote about Davis’s influence on American Idol. He wasn’t just advising from the sidelines—he was key in shaping the show’s direction.
When Kelly Clarkson won, Davis was there, guiding her into becoming a pop sensation. His hands were in everything, even if you didn’t see it.
Another moment that stands out is his relationship with Barry Manilow. In the early days, Davis told Manilow to ditch jazz and go pop. The result was “Mandy,” a career-defining hit. Davis wasn’t afraid to challenge artists, but it always paid off. His gut instincts weren’t just right—they were bulletproof.
A Lasting Legacy
“Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives” IS a comprehensive journey through pop history. But it’s also a look at one man’s influence on culture.
The two-hour doc is filled with interviews from legends like Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, and Alicia Keys, all of whom credit Davis for shaping their careers.
He’s not just a music executive—he’s a tastemaker who helped define what we listen to.
The doc wraps up with a clear message: Clive Davis didn’t just ride the waves of change in the music industry—he created those waves. His ability to stay relevant in a constantly evolving world is nothing short of remarkable.
The Final Note
By the end of this doc, you’ll see that Clive Davis didn’t just help artists. He built them. His decisions, from signing Springsteen to creating Whitney Houston’s image, changed the landscape of popular music. “Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives” IS the story of pop music over the past 50 years. It’s a must-watch if you care about how the music you love came to be.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc