Clive Davis and Kelly Clarkson

Clive Davis is widely regarded as one of the most influential men in the industry as he has guided the careers of several of the biggest names in music, from Whitney Houston to Alicia Keys. However, a man of his stature does not gain such power without angering a few people and there is one person who is fed up of this bisexual tyrant – Kelly Clarkson.

In his new book, The Story of My Life, Davis made several claims regarding the supposedly emotional Clarkson, whose career would be nothing without his almighty grace. Well, at least that’s what he suggested and Clarkson refuses to let him get away with it. How did she put her former mentor in his place? Via her blog, of course!

Clarkson blasted Davis for spreading “false information” and addressed his numerous “memory lapses” with a scathing message to her fans. In the online post, the outspoken diva recounted several instances where Davis belittled her talent and even called her a “shitty” songwriter. I wonder what Davis would call Houston’s “Whatchulookinat” (one of less than ten tracks co-penned by the late diva)? An ode to Shakespeare?

Read exactly what Clarkson had to say about Davis below:

Hey y’all,

So I just heard Clive Davis is releasing a memoir and spreading false information about me and my music. I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don’t have to cower to anyone – even Clive Davis.

First, he says I burst into “hysterical sobbing” in his office when he demanded Since You Been Gone be on my album. Not true at all. His stories and songs are mixed up. I did want more guitars added to the original demo and Clive did not. Max, Luke and I still fought for the bigger sound and we prevailed and I couldn’t be more proud of the life of that song. I resent him dampening that song in any way.

But, yes, I did cry in his office once. I cried after I played him a song I had written about my life called “Because Of You.” I cried because he hated it and told me verbatim that I was a “sh*tty writer who should be grateful for the gifts that he bestows upon me.” He continued on about how the song didn’t rhyme and how I should just shut up and sing.

Someone please call 911!

This was devastating coming from a man who I, as a young girl, considered a musical hero and was so honored to work with. But I continued to fight for the song and the label relented. And it became a worldwide hit. He didn’t include that in the book.

He also goes on to say My December wasn’t successful because I co-penned the album and it didn’t have “pop hits”. Well, first let me say, I’ve co-penned many of my “pop hits.” Secondly, My December went platinum (It sold 20,000 less than All I Ever Wanted which followed My December.) Hardly a huge failure. Never Again, the ONLY single they released in the US from that record was a Top 10 hit.

I am very proud of that and I have my fans to thank. But, again, what’s most interesting about his story is what he leaves out: He doesn’t mention how he stood up in front of his company at a convention and belittled me and my music and completely sabotaged the entire project. It never had a chance to reach it’s full potential.

My December was an album I needed to make for myself for many reasons and the fact that I was so completely disregarded and disrespected was so disheartening, there really aren’t words to explain….

Anyway, I love my job. I love my music. I love my fans. I love my label and all of my professional relationships… now. And I am grateful for Clive for teaching me to know the difference.

Cheers to another amazing year! And, as always, thanks for listening!

KC

Well huff, puff and blow me down! Clarkson certainly didn’t hold back with this one! If what she is saying is true then it proves what many people have been saying about Davis for many years – he only likes working with artists who he can control.

Have you ever wondered why most of Davis’ pet acts don’t write their own music? Also, most of those artists who do compose their own hits are sorely limited to basic topics and rarely take serious risks. Perhaps that’s why he wasn’t able to get Mariah Carey or Michael Jackson to join his label. Just imagine how boring their music would have been if they did…I rebuke it!

Read Davis’ press response to Clarkson below:

As anyone who has read “The Soundtrack of My Life” knows, I think Kelly Clarkson is a tremendous vocal talent and performer. In the book, I provide an in-depth look at our years together during which we shared major multi-platinum success, as well as a few creative differences.

I am truly very sorry that she has decided to take issue with what I know to be an accurate depiction of our time together. Before the book was published, I had every fact checked with five independent individuals who were present on a daily basis throughout it all. The chapter as it is written was thoroughly verified by each and every one of them.

I stand by the chapter as written in my book. At the same time I wish, and will always wish, Kelly’s talent and her career to soar to ever new heights.

Thoughts?