Clive Davis to Speak at Whitney Houston's Funeral

NEWARK, N.J. -- Clive Davis, Whitney Houston's mentor and longtime friend, will speak at her funeral Saturday in Newark, along with other celebrities and colleagues who were close to the singer.

The music mogul, 79, signed Houston to his Arista label in 1983, and she rose to superstardom under his guidance.

Houston, a regular luminary at his annual star-studded Pre-Grammy Gala, was in Los Angeles to attend the party last Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton when her body was discovered that afternoon in her suite at the hotel.

Davis, Sony Music's chief creative officer, has been criticized by Chaka Khan, Sharon Osbourne and others for not canceling the party, but many Houston friends were in attendance and several celebrities told USA TODAY they felt the gathering was respectful and comforting.

"It's kind of like going to church," Tom Hanks said.

Gayle King added, "It's healing to be here, around people who understood."

Reports of tension between Davis and the Houston clan are utterly false, says Kristen Foster, a representative for the Houston family.

"The Houston family thanks God that Clive Davis has been by their side during this terrible time," Foster says. "He has been an unwavering source of emotional support for them, speaking with them hourly, helping them plan the funeral and just being rock-solid."

Also confirmed to participate in the funeral program at New Hope Baptist Church: Tyler Perry, Kevin Costner, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Rickey Minor, Alicia Keys, Dionne Warwick, Marvin Winans, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Kim Burrell.

USA Today