Carolos Santana has paid tribute to his longtime friend Clive Davis. The visionary producer and executive, who served as president of Columbia Records, co-founded Arista Records and oversaw the RCA Music Group as CEO and chairman, died earlier today due to what has been described as an “age-related illness” He was 94 and had been hospitalized this spring with respiratory problems.

In a statement, Santana said, “Clive Davis was a visionary. He could hear the intangible before anyone else could see it. He believed in Santana from the beginning, and years later he believed in us again. That kind of faith is a beautiful blessing, and I will always be grateful. Clive understood that music is more than entertainment. Music is a healing force. It brings people together beyond fear, beyond separation, beyond borders. He dedicated his life to championing artists and helping them share their gifts with the world. Clive recognized the light in people. He encouraged artists to trust their own voice and step into their destiny. Because of his vision, countless musicians were able to reach hearts across the planet. I thank Clive for his friendship, his trust, and his belief in Santana. We celebrate his extraordinary journey and the legacy of joy, inspiration, and possibility that he leaves behind. We send our deepest love and blessings to his family and to all who were touched by his life. Peace, love, and light, Carlos Santana.”

Davis was instrumental is helping Santana stage his 2000 comeback with the guest-heavy Supernatural record. He also worked with a range of other influential artists over the years, including Bruce Springsteen Aretha Franklin, Pink Floyd, Sly and the Family Stone, Janis Joplin, Laura Nyro, Donovan, Loggins and Messina, Alicia Keys, Earth, Wind & Fire, Aerosmith, Billy Joel and Carrie Underwood. Davis also signed the Grateful Dead, who he first saw in 1967 at Monterey Pop, to Arista Records in 1976. Albums like Terrapin Station, Shakedown Station, In the Dark and Without a Net came out on the label, and Bob Weir famously changed a “Jack Straw” lyric to “We used to play for acid, now we play for Clive” on January 11, 1979 as a nod to the Arista legend.