The 16th edition of the Tribeca Film Festival starts on April 19th, with live performances from Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson and a documentary on the man who made it all possible: Clive Davis.
-PJ Gach
Photo Credit: Tribeca Film Festival
Clive Davis help shape music and pop culture for most of the 20th century. His talent for finding artists is legendary. “Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives,” a feature length documentary directed by Chris Perkel chronicles the story of a man who came from humble beginnings to one of the, if not the most important music producers of our time.
Davis discovered, signed and worked with many artists including Janis Joplin, Chicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Santana, Aerosmith, Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Simon & Garfunkel, Jennifer Hudson, Bruce Springsteen, Barry Manilow, Patti Smith and more.
Many of the artists he worked with were interviewed for the documentary. As director Perkel stated in a press release, “Directing this film provided a wonderful challenge because Clive Davis stands at the center of a culture-defining array of talent that has shaped the last half century of contemporary music. His is an inspiring story that's sure to leave you with a smile on your face, a tug at your heart and a playlist of hits forever stuck in your head.”
Davis, a Brooklynite who lost his parents at a young age, fought against personal adversity. He graduated from NYU and Harvard Law School, and had full scholarships to both educational institutions. Through a twist of fate, at the age of 35, he became the president of Columbia Records. Davis is and was known for his uncanny ear for talent, his incredible parties and his business acumen.
Photo Credit: Tribeca Film Festival
“Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives is a fascinating exploration of his remarkable story and the impact that a great producer can have on artists and music,” said Jane Rosenthal, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of the Tribeca Film Festival in a press release. “We are excited to have this powerful film premiere on our opening night.”
After the premiere on April 19th, a concert with Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson Earth Wind & Fire and other performers will close out an incredible night.
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The documentary is produced by Michael Bernstein of Scott Free Productions. Executive Producers include Ridley Scott and Associates Ridley Scott, Mary Lisio of Scott Free Productions, IM Global’s Stuart Ford, David Schulhof, and Deborah Zipser.
The Tribeca Film Festival runs from April 19 through April 30. To learn more about the festival and this year’s lineup of films, documentaries, shorts, round table discussions and other events, please visit their site.
