Music industry commentator Eric Alper on the death of Clive Davis at 94 — the man whose roster reads like the history of recorded music and whose ear for a hit never stopped working, no matter the decade.

Davis didn't just sign artists. He picked the songs, the co-writers, the photographers, the look. He spotted Whitney Houston in a New York club before anyone knew her name and spent years shaping her before the public heard a note. He gave Bruce Springsteen a third album when almost no one else would. He signed Janis Joplin and Santana at Monterey. He came back from a 1973 scandal that most people assumed would finish him and built Arista Records into something bigger than what came before.

Eric Alper makes the case that there is no list of greatest music executives — there is just Clive Davis, and then everyone else.

Topics: Clive Davis, music industry history, Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Arista Records

GUEST: Eric Alper | thatericalper.com

Originally aired on 2026-06-22

Music industry commentator Eric Alper on the death of Clive Davis at 94 &mdash; the man whose roster reads like the history of recorded music and whose ear for a hit never stopped working, no matter the decade.
Davis didn't just sign artists. He picked the songs, the co-writers, the photographers, the look. He spotted Whitney Houston in a New York club before anyone knew her name and spent years shaping her before the public heard a note. He gave Bruce Springsteen a third album when almost no one else would. He signed Janis Joplin and Santana at Monterey. He came back from a 1973 scandal that most people assumed would finish him and built Arista Records into something bigger than what came before.
Eric Alper makes the case that there is no list of greatest music executives &mdash; there is just Clive Davis, and then everyone else.
Topics: Clive Davis, music industry history, Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Arista Records
GUEST: Eric Alper | thatericalper.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-22

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

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Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.