Bruce Springsteen joined a number of music legends in honoring Clive Davis during the famed record executive's funeral, which took place Monday morning (June 29) at Central Synagogue in New York City.

During his tribute, Springsteen reflected on the early years of his career and the important role Davis played in helping launch him into the spotlight. The Boss signed with Columbia Records in 1972 at just 22 years old while Davis was serving as the label's president, and the pair remained close friends for more than 50 years.

Springsteen recalled delivering his debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., only for Davis to send him back to the studio after hearing it. According to Springsteen, Davis encouraged him to write songs that had stronger commercial and radio potential.

The singer said that later that same evening he wrote "Blinded by the Light" and "Spirit in the Night," two songs that would become singles from his debut album and remain among the defining tracks of his catalog. "Two songs that totally changed the profile and perception of that album," he said. "Clive then filmed himself reciting the lyrics to 'Blinded by the Light' like it was some New Jersey Shakespeare."

"Clive was big and bombastic and brave and full of ideas and just believed, believed, believed. He dressed like a king. He was born to run … everything," Springsteen joked.

The 20 time Grammy winner also remembered the first time he met Davis after Columbia A&R executive John Hammond told him he needed to impress the man who would make the final decision on signing him to the label. "He was very kind and welcoming," Springsteen said. "When I finished, Clive smiling simply said, 'Welcome to Columbia Records.' With those few words, he changed my life forever. Nothing's been the same since that day."

Springsteen went on to say that Davis rarely missed one of his New York concerts throughout the years. He even attended Springsteen's performance in Newark, New Jersey, earlier this year, where he remained on his feet for the entire show.

"There isn't a day when I don't sit on my big front porch, in my big house, surrounded by my big cars, with my big family, looking out over my big yard that Clive doesn't come somewhere whistling around the top of my brain," he added.

Springsteen's tribute followed appearances from several other notable figures, including an emotional speech by Alicia Keys and a moving performance from Jennifer Hudson.

Clive Davis died at the age of 94 on June 22 while surrounded by family at his home in New York. A private burial service was held Monday afternoon. Springsteen ended his farewell with a simple message: "Nothing but love, Clive, thank you."