Story perspectives

Clive Davis Engineered “Smooth” Hit, Saved Rob Thomas Track

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Music executive Clive Davis guided Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas in creating the 1999 hit “Smooth,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks.
Davis debated whether George Michael or Jon Bon Jovi should sing the song and later swapped Tina Turner’s vocals for Michelle Branch, reflecting his gut-driven A&R approach.
After hearing Rob Thomas’s solo “Chip Tooth Smile,” Davis wrote to Atlantic Records chairman Craig Kallman urging the label not to drop the song.

History

Historical Context

In November 1977, producer Robert Stigwood issued the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack on RSO Records, showcasing the Bee Gees’ disco hits. The double album sold over 40 million copies, earned 16× Platinum in the U.S., and topped Billboard for 24 weeks in 1978; its impact earned a 2013 National Recording Registry placement.

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Story summary

Music executive Clive Davis guided Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas in creating the 1999 hit “Smooth,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks.
Davis debated whether George Michael or Jon Bon Jovi should sing the song and later swapped Tina Turner’s vocals for Michelle Branch, reflecting his gut-driven A&R approach.
After hearing Rob Thomas’s solo “Chip Tooth Smile,” Davis wrote to Atlantic Records chairman Craig Kallman urging the label not to drop the song.

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