Clive Davis took a moment to reflect on his cherished relationship with Aretha Franklin during his induction into the Apollo Walk of Fame at the Apollo Theater’s 2025 spring benefit on June 4, held in New York City. Speaking to an audience that included numerous music legends, Davis shared poignant memories of the late Queen of Soul, emphasizing their deep connection and collaboration.
Davis recounted a transformative phone call he received from Franklin when she was nearing 40 and questioning her ability to produce hits once more. “The attractive, the great Aretha Franklin, called me. She was now near 40, passed her prime. ‘Could I have hits again?’ she said to me,” he recalled with nostalgia. This conversation marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership as Davis and Franklin embarked on creating iconic songs like “Freeway of Love,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves,” and “A Rose Is Still a Rose.”
Their bond extended beyond professional collaboration; Davis spoke of a memorable dinner, describing it as a night filled with conversation, creativity, and mutual respect. He paid tribute to Franklin’s legacy, noting, “We got back our Queen of Soul, the great Aretha Franklin,” underscoring her monumental impact on music and culture.
At the benefit, Davis wasn’t only honored with his induction but also received the Legacy Award. The event, hosted by Kym Whitley, gathered a star-studded audience, including attendees like Teyana Taylor, who received the Inaugural Innovator Award, and other prominent figures from the music industry such as Method Man, Babyface, and Deborah Cox.
Remembering Franklin, who passed away in August 2018, Davis expressed profound sadness over her loss, describing her as an irreplaceable national treasure admired globally across generations. “She was truly one of a kind. She was more than the Queen of Soul,” he wrote on social media, highlighting the strength of their friendship throughout the years.
Davis’s contributions to the music world have been exceptionally significant, and he continues to reflect on the artists who shaped his career, including the many nights spent with Franklin, enriching the arts and musical heritage to this day. The Apollo Spring Benefit reflects not only on the theater’s legacy but also on its commitment to fostering arts and culture in Harlem and beyond.
This celebration serves as a reminder of the enduring power of music to connect people and honor those who have paved the way for future generations.