Last Updated on September 13, 2024
David Foster has been well known for decades in the music industry. His popularity is attached to his genius in his career as a Canadian musician, arranger, composer, songwriter, and record producer. Not to mention, he’s an official music executive who chaired Verve Records from the years 2012 to 2016.
Foster’s five decades of working in the industry has won him 16 Grammy Awards out of 47 nominations. He has also taken home an Emmy, three Oscar nominations under the Song of the Year, and a Golden Globe award. His dedication to the music industry has led him to contribute to the discovery of musical protegees like Josh Groban, Celine Dion, and Michael Buble.
Foster has also produced countless records and written songs for some eminent artists like Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Cole, Toni Braxton, Madonna, Air Supply, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey. Furthermore, he’s produced music for the legend of pop music, Michael Jackson.
Throughout his years, this talented producer has facilitated the sales of over 500 million albums through his illustrious artists; and he’s released over fifteen albums of his own.
Equally important to note about this man is the hundreds of millions he donates to charity. His foundation, “The David Foster Foundation,” was founded on the grounds of helping children with medical conditions.
Quick Facts
| Full Name: | David Walter Foster |
| Popular Name: | David Foster |
| Gender: | Male |
| Birth Date: | 1 November 1949 |
| Age: | 74 years |
| Parents: | Eleanor Foster, Morry Foster |
| Siblings: | Jaymes Foster, Jeanie Foster, Maureen Foster, Marylou Foster, Ruth Foster |
| Birth Place: | Victoria, Canada |
| Nationality: | Canadian |
| Ethnicity: | Canadian |
| Education: | The University of Southern California, The Royal Conservatory of Music, Mount Douglas Secondary |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Wife/Spouse: | Bj Cook (m. 1971-1981), Rebecca Dyer (m.1982-1986), Linda Thompson (m.1991-2005), Yolanda Hadid (m.2011-2017), Katherine Mcphee (m. 2019 till date) |
| Children: | Erin Foster, Sara Foster, Amy S. Foster, Allison Jones Foster, Jordan Foster, Rennie David Foster |
| Dating: | Katherine Mcphee |
| Net Worth: | $150 million |
| Source of Wealth: | Music |
| Height: | 5ft10 (178cm) |
| Weight: | 70kg (154 Ibs) |
Early Life and Career Information
David Walter Foster was born on 1 November 1949 into the home of Eleanor Foster and Maurice Foster in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. From a very young age, he was invested in the art of piano playing. Therefore he was encouraged to enroll in a music program at the University of Washington when he was just 13 to sharpen his talent.
At 18, the music sensation followed his dreams by auditioning as a bandleader at Edmonton nightclub owned by Tommy Banks, a renowned Jazz Musician who turned out to be Foster’s mentor in music.
Afterward, he moved to Los Angeles with his band Skylark in 1974. The ’90s was indeed a stepping stone in Foster’s career. He was the keyboardist in his band Skylark, and their single “Wildflower” was a hit in the 1970s before the group eventually disbanded.
Despite the breakup of Skylark, Foster formed another one with Jay Graydon called Airplay. He started working as a producer, arranger, and songwriter. His inclusion as a songwriter, arranger, and studio player in the album of the band Earth, Wind and Fire led one of their tracks, “After the Love has Gone,” to win the 1980’s Grammy Award under the title Best R&B song.
His works over these years as a songwriter and producer include “Heart to Heart” for Kenny Loggins (1982), “Forever” (1985), and “The Heart of the Matter” (1985). Foster also took part in composing the love-themed instrumentals from the film, “St. Elmo Fire,” which hit the US pop charts (No.15) in 1985. Other films he wrote songs for in the 1980s were “The Secret of My Successes” and “Stealing Home.”
In addition, the theme song for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, “Winter Games,” was attributed to Foster. Foster’s signed deal with Warner Brothers elevated his career’s status and enabled him to set up his boutique label, 143 Records, as a joint venture with Warner. However, he sold the brand back to Warner in 1997 and became the corporation’s vice president instead.
Well-known songs produced by Foster in the 1990s were “The Power of the Dream,” the official 1996 Summer Olympic song in collaboration with Kenneth Edmonds, “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton, “Have You Ever?” by Brandy, and “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion. In 1998, he won the Golden Globe Award for “Best Original Song.”
The 2000s was also the year for this music sensation with his production of debut albums for artists like Josh Groban (2001), Michael Buble (2003), Renee Olstead (2004), and Charice (2010). In 2003, he won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics for World Children’s Day Concert. He also became an officer of the order of Canada in 2006.
Eleven years later, Foster became the Chairman of Verve Music Group. He produced for artists like Mary J. Blige, Andrea Bocelli, and Bryan Adams. He’s also well known for producing and selling multiple Christmas albums. In 2013, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Foster then left Verve in 2016 due to a reorganization in the label.
In addition to his thriving career as a musician, Foster has also made appearances on shows like American Idol, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Asia’s Got Talent, Nashville Star, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
David Foster’s Net Worth
Through his combination of hard work and talent, Foster has become one of the most renowned artists worldwide and is often regarded as a master in his domain. There is no doubt that David Foster has made notable contributions to the industry.
With Foster’s several decades in the entertainment industry and his 16 Grammy wins from 47 nominations, his much-acquired wealth is justified. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this musical legend has a staggering net worth of $150 million.
Lessons Learnt from the Life of David Foster
It’s Never too Early to Chase your Dreams.
David Foster discovered his interest in piano playing when he was about four years old. Nine years later, he was enrolled in the University of Washington’s music program to sharpen this talent of his. When he turned 18, he started making moves toward his dreams, like auditioning for bands.
After that, he started producing and songwriting, and he eventually rose to stardom. It proves we’re never too young to chase our dreams.
Hard work Pays
David’s musical dreams were big. However, the dedication, effort, and hard work he put into actualizing those dreams were more extensive, so he rose to stardom. It is a lesson worthy of emulation.
