Arista Records

American company

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July 20, 2026

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Arista Records was an American record label founded in 1974 by music executive Clive Davis. Davis led Arista from 1974 to 2000, during which time he guided the careers of many successful musicians. He was instrumental in signing artists across various genres, including rock and R&B. Notable artists who recorded for Arista under Davis's leadership include Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, and Aretha Franklin. Davis had previously headed CBS Records and is known for shifting Columbia Records' focus to include more rock and R&B acts.12

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Thomas Middelhoff
…more than 50 countries, including Arista and RCA in the United States). In 2001 the firm gained a controlling interest in the Luxembourg-based RTL Group, Europe’s largest producer of radio, television, and movie content and operator of numerous radio and TV stations across the continent.
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…more than 50 countries, including Arista and RCA in the United States). In 2001 the firm gained a controlling interest in the Luxembourg-based RTL Group, Europe’s largest producer of radio, television, and movie content and operator of numerous radio and TV stations across the continent.
Read More

Clive Davis
…charge of what would become Arista Records. He signed Patti Smith to Arista in 1975, and her widely acclaimed first album, Horses, was released that same year. Davis later brought to the label such influential groups as the Kinks and the Grateful Dead. He also guided both Aretha Franklin and…
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…charge of what would become Arista Records. He signed Patti Smith to Arista in 1975, and her widely acclaimed first album, Horses, was released that same year. Davis later brought to the label such influential groups as the Kinks and the Grateful Dead. He also guided both Aretha Franklin and…
Read More