Kelly Clarkson is accusing Clive Davis of “spreading false information” about her in his new memoir “The Soundtrack of My Life.”
The music mogul made headlines today after revealing his sexuality in a brief five-page passage, but the 500-page tome also details juicy interactions with Janice Joplin, John Lennon and the false accusations of embezzlement that ended his career as the president of the CBS Records.
Davis also wrote about his experience as a mentor, judge and guest on “American Idol” and his work with Clarkson after she won a recording contract with RCA through the reality show.
“Kelly obviously is very talented and has a big, powerful voice,” he wrote. “I can’t honestly say one way or the other whether I would have signed her if she had not been connected to the show.”
In a post on her WhoSay account, the “American Idol” champ took two main issues with Davis’ book. First, he wrote that she broke into “hysterical sobbing” when he demanded that her single “Since U Been Gone” must be included in Clarkson’s album, “Breakaway.”
“Not true at all,” she shoots back. “His stories and songs are mixed up. I did want more guitars added to the original demo and Clive did not. [Producers Max Martin and Łukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald] 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.”
She continues to allege that Davis yelled at her after she played him “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. This was devastating coming from a man who I, as a young girl, considered a musical hero and was so honored to work with.”
Her entire statement via WhoSay:
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. 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