David Foster is an award-winning singer, pianist, and producer who has amassed 16 Grammy awards. He is best known for writing or producing hit songs for Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Rod Stewart and Natalie Cole; but is also widely-recognized throughout Asia where he regularly performs.
Foster was born in Victoria, British Columbia and started taking piano lessons at four. Later that same year he joined Skylark and their song Wildflower became a top ten hit on Billboard charts.
He is a Musician
David Foster is an accomplished musician, composer, producer and songwriter. He has earned 16 Grammy awards as well as widespread critical acclaim for his work with artists like Celine Dion, Michael Buble and Josh Groban – earning 16 GRAMMY nominations along the way! Furthermore, he’s an avid golfer and significant charitable donor.
He produced and wrote hit singles throughout the 1980s, such as Chicago’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and Peter Cetera’s “The Glory of Love.” Other production and writing credits include L8r & The Tubes’ album The Completion Backward Principle; songs on Urban Cowboy and Footloose soundtracks, Middle Man by Boz Scaggs albums as well as Urban Cowboy.
Foster has more recently taken an interest in Universal’s Verve Music Group as chairman. Through this role, he has successfully launched the careers of artists like Andrea Bocelli, Mary J. Blige and Diana Krall; furthermore he can take credit for discovering Katharine McPhee and giving her her first break as an artist.
He is a Songwriter
Foster has written songs and produced albums for many artists throughout his career. Some of his most notable successes in the 1980s and 1990s included Chicago’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” Olivia Newton-John’s “Twist of Fate” and John Parr’s “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion).” Additionally, Foster contributed songs to movies such as Urban Cowboy, Night Shift and Stealing Home.
Foster has found great success working with crooners like Michael Buble and Andrea Bocelli, as his style fits perfectly with their romantic, soothing voices. Additionally, he served as judge on Asia’s Got Talent as well as hosting his PBS series An Intimate Evening with David Foster.
Foster assumed leadership of Verve Music Group in 2012 and quickly used it as a vehicle to sign established singers as well as international newcomers. Foster is passionate about bringing crossover classical/pop music to audiences everywhere, having worked across genres including opera and jazz.
He is a Composer
David Foster transcends musical genres with his versatile tenor and temperament, finding and nurturing talent through pushing performers beyond their comfort zones to bring out their best performances. His artistic collaborations have produced timeless classics in pop, R & B, country jazz and crossover classical genres alike.
He has won multiple-platinum Grammy awards with 47 nominations, Juno Awards, Emmys and three Oscar nominations as well as earning Junos, Emmys and three Oscar nods; Juno Awards; Emmys; three Oscar nominations and was even honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star near Capitol Records building. As founder and chairman of Verve Music Group – home to stars such as Andrea Bocelli, Diana Krall Natalie Cole Sarah McLachlan Rod Stewart; as well as discovering new talent like YouTube sensation Charice Evancho
Foster has not only composed hit singles for singers, but has also composed scores and contributed songs to films like St. Elmo’s Fire as well as Urban Cowboy, Night Shift and Quest for Camelot. His keen ears have led him to work with such notable artists as Celine Dion, Donna Summer, Michael Buble and Josh Groban.
He is a Producer
Foster has long been known for producing top-selling albums. Additionally, he specializes in middle-of-the-road adult contemporary pop music but also enjoys success producing R&B, country, jazz theatre and crossover classical projects.
Foster helped usher in an era of heavily produced middle-of-the-road music in the ’80s with songs such as Chicago’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and Peter Cetera’s “The Glory of Love”. Additionally, he produced hits for popular artists like Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble, and Celine Dion.
Foster currently judges on Asia’s Got Talent. In addition, he has served on various other talent shows including The Masked Singer. Foster is also an active supporter of numerous charities, having created his own foundation specifically to assist children living with diabetes. As an avid traveler he also appreciates good wine!