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STORY: The universal message of music goes beyond tunes and lyrics and legendary music producer Clive Davis knows this only too well. Wednesday night (May 16), the music icon received an award for his excellence in the music industry and his humanitarian leadership in support of Caron Foundation, a U.S. based alcohol and drug addiction treatment center.

Davis was awarded with the foundation's 2012 Richard J. Caron Award for his unyielding support of the cause that grants scholarships to recovering individuals and families from the disease.

"The honor is very special. The work of the Caron Foundation is very special. I have friends that have meaningful been impacted in their lives by the work of the Caron Foundation. So when they approached me I responded affirmatively," Davis said.

Davis is best known for discovering Whitney Houston and worked closely with the late singer until her untimely death in February 2012.

Liza Minnelli lent her voice to support the cause and her friend Clive Davis.

Before heading into the event, Minnelli, who has battled addiction in the past, gave some advice to those in the fight against drugs and alcohol, saying being grateful is an important step to recovery.

Also honored at the annual gala was Judy Collins, an American singer/ song-writer, best known for her Grammy winning version of Sondheim's "Send In The Clowns."

Collins, one of Caron's success stories, was given the Caron Creative Artist's Award.