The Untold Story: Why Clive Davis Wanted Barry White Out of the Music Industry

Barry White’s deep, soulful voice and romantic ballads have long been the soundtrack for countless love stories.

But behind the scenes, Barry White was more than just a singer—he was fearless, outspoken, and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

This very trait made him a target of Clive Davis, one of the most powerful moguls in the business, who reportedly wanted Barry White gone.

What was the shocking reason behind this rivalry? The answer lies in a dark secret Barry uncovered and his refusal to bow to greed.

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Barry White’s rise to fame was anything but typical.

Born in Texas in 1944 and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Barry’s early life was steeped in hardship.

His parents never married, and his younger brother Daryl’s tragic death in a gang-related dispute left a lasting scar on him.

Barry himself had brushes with the law, including a stint in jail for stealing Cadillac tires at age 16.

It was during this time behind bars that he heard Elvis Presley’s “It’s Now or Never” on the radio—a moment that changed his life and inspired him to leave the streets behind.

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Despite not formally learning to read or write music, Barry’s passion and determination propelled him forward.

Influenced by artists like Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin, he began his career singing in groups and producing hits for others.

By the late 1960s, Barry was making waves, discovering artists, and crafting his own unique sound.

In 1973, Barry formed the Love Unlimited Orchestra, a 40-piece band that brought orchestral soul music to the mainstream.

His song “Love’s Theme” topped the Billboard pop charts, and his solo career soared with hits like “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby.”

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Barry wasn’t just an artist; he was a savvy businessman who launched his own label, Unlimited Gold, in 1979.

But Barry’s success was met with resistance from powerful industry figures like Clive Davis.

Known for his control over artists and his ruthless business tactics, Davis reportedly saw Barry’s fearlessness as a threat.

Barry was outspoken against greed in the music industry, warning other artists about the dangers of selling out.

Unlike many who sought fame at any cost, Barry refused to compromise his integrity, which put him at odds with Davis.

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Rumors swirled about Davis’s personal life, including his alleged attraction to male artists under his wing and the mysterious early deaths of several musicians signed to him.

Barry White boldly established his own label and took control of his career, a move few black artists dared to make at the time.

Despite winning two Grammy Awards, Barry’s career faced unexpected hurdles, and his voice was silenced far sooner than many expected.

Barry’s warnings to fellow artists extended to Luther Vandross, who was signed by Davis in 1981.

Vandross achieved massive success but struggled with health issues and the pressures of the industry.

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Like Barry, Luther faced rumors about his personal life and battled with the harsh realities of fame.

Vandross’s premature death in 2005 added to the speculation about the darker side of the music business under Davis’s influence.

Barry White’s story is one of triumph, resilience, and a fierce commitment to authenticity.

His refusal to bow to the corrupt forces in the industry cost him dearly but left a lasting legacy.

While Barry passed away in 2004 due to heart and weight-related issues, the shadow of Clive Davis’s influence and the suspicious circumstances surrounding the fates of artists like Barry and Luther continue to fuel debate.

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This tale serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between talent, power, and greed in the music world.

Barry White’s life and career challenge us to look beyond the surface glamour and question the forces that shape the industry.

What price do artists pay for success, and who really controls the music they create?

As the whispers persist, the legacy of Barry White’s fearless spirit lives on, inspiring new generations to pursue their art with integrity and courage.

The truth behind Clive Davis’s vendetta remains a haunting chapter in music history—one that invites reflection and demands answers.