David Foster is one of the most acclaimed music producers and songwriters in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over 5 decades, Foster has worked with some of the biggest names in music and has racked up an impressive 16 Grammy Awards. Look at David Foster’s life, net worth, career highlights, personal relationships, and impact on popular music.

David Foster’s Early Life

David Walter Foster was born on November 1, 1949, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He comes from a musical family – his father, Maurice Foster, was a maintenance yard superintendent, while his mother, Eleanor May Foster, was a homemaker. Foster started taking piano lessons at age 5 and demonstrated strong musical talents from a young age.

At 13, he enrolled in the University of Washington’s music program. He initially set his sights on becoming a concert pianist but later shifted focus to jazz music. In his teens, Foster toured with various rock bands like Skylark. He eventually dropped out of college to pursue a professional music career.

david foster early life
Credits – Google

David Foster’s Music Career

Foster moved to Los Angeles in 1971 to advance his music career. His first big break came when he was hired as a keyboardist for the pop group Skylark. They found success with the top 10 hit “Wildflower” in 1973. Following this, Foster worked as a studio musician and recorded with artists like John Lennon, Diana Ross, and Rod Stewart.

In 1976, Foster signed on as a producer at Warner Brothers Records. He started working with more high-profile artists and produced his first major hit record – George Benson’s “On Broadway” in 1978. The song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In the 1980s, Foster hit his stride as one of the most in-demand producers in the music industry. He produced smash hits for Chicago like “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “You’re the Inspiration,” and “Glory of Love.” Some other chart-topping singles Foster produced in the 80s include:

  • “Almost Paradise” – Mike Reno and Ann Wilson
  • “I Have Nothing” – Whitney Houston
  • “Grown Up Christmas List” – Natalie Cole
  • “The Best of Me” – David Foster and Olivia Newton-John
david foster career
Credits – Google

Foster’s hot streak continued into the 90s and 2000s. He produced Celine Dion’s biggest hits, including the iconic love theme song “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic. The song went to No. 1 worldwide and became one of the best-selling singles ever recorded.

Other memorable David Foster-produced hits in the 90s/2000s era include:

  • “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
  • “Because You Loved Me” – Celine Dion
  • “How Do I Live” – LeAnn Rimes
  • “I Swear” – All-4-One
  • “Hero” – Mariah Carey

Foster has produced over 150 hit singles that made the Billboard charts. He has worked on the albums of music superstars like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble, and Josh Groban. Foster also served as a judge on singing competitions like Pop Idol and The Voice.

His diverse repertoire and longevity in the recording industry have earned Foster a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame. He has won 16 Grammy Awards, including 3 for Producer of the Year.

David Foster Net Worth

According to Celebrity Net Worth, David Foster has a net worth of $150 million as of 2023. The majority of his wealth comes from producing and songwriting. He earns royalties from the many hit songs he’s produced over the decades.

Foster increased his fortune by founding his record label, 143 Records, in 2011. He also earns a steady income as an executive producer for TV talent competitions. On top of this, Foster has made real estate investments and owns properties in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Canada.

David Foster’s Personal Life

In his personal life, David Foster has been married 5 times:

  • B.J. Cook – 1972 to 1981 (divorced)
  • Rebecca Dyer – 1982 to 1986 (divorced)
  • Linda Thompson – 1991 to 2005 (divorced)
  • Yolanda Hadid – 2011 to 2017 (divorced)
  • Katharine McPhee – 2019 to present

Foster has 5 daughters from previous relationships – Allison, Amy, Sara, Erin, and Jordan. Jordan Foster is following in her father’s footsteps as a talented singer-songwriter.

Over the years, Foster faced some health issues like atrial fibrillation and reliance on alcohol. He got sober in 2017 and maintains a healthy lifestyle today.

Outside of music, Foster enjoys playing ice hockey and has participated in NHL celebrity games. He also founded the David Foster Foundation, which provides financial support for families with children needing organ transplants.

Birth DateNovember 1, 1949
NameDavid Foster
ProfessionComposer
FatherMaurice “Maury” Foster
MotherEleanor May Foster
Height5′ 11½″ (1.82 m)
BirthplaceVictoria, British Columbia
ZodiacScorpio
Credits – Google

David Foster’s Album Discography

As a solo artist, David Foster has released 12 studio albums:

  • The Best of Me – 1979
  • David Foster – 1979
  • Foster’s Garden – 1982
  • Duets – 1993
  • The Christmas Album – 1993
  • Love Lights the World – 1994
  • LifeWorks – 1994
  • The Symphony Sessions – 2008
  • Hit Man Returns – 2008
  • Hit Man: David Foster & Friends – 2010
  • Stevie Wonder’s Song Party: A Celebration of Life, Love, and Music – 2013
  • An Intimate Evening with David Foster: Live from Las Vegas – 2017

He has also collaborated on several other albums, such as Winter Games (1985) with Natalie Cole, The Bodyguard soundtrack (1992) with Whitney Houston, and My Heart Will Go On: Love Songs (1999) with Celine Dion.

See Also: A GLIMPSE INTO THE LIFE OF THE TALENTED MUSICIAN ELIJAH JUDD

Lesser Known Facts About David Foster

Here are some interesting facts about the legendary music producer that fans may not know:

  • Foster failed music class in Grade 11 and was told by his teacher to “not quit his day job.”
  • His first studio job was working with Barbra Streisand on the song “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough).”
  • Foster competed on Celebrity Apprentice in 2011 to raise funds for charity. He finished in 5th place.
  • He has perfect pitch and can recognize any musical note without reference.
  • Foster composed the score and produced the soundtrack for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.
  • He has dual citizenship in both the United States and Canada.
  • Foster can play several instruments, including piano, keyboards, and percussion.
  • His sister Jaymes Foster is also in music and gave birth to Clay Aiken’s son.
  • Foster has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Record Production and Songwriting.
  • He co-wrote the theme song for the 1988 Winter Olympics called “Winter Games.”
david foster unknown facts
Credits – Google

Conclusion

David Foster has made an unparalleled impact in pop music production over the past 50 years. He has worked with the greatest artists of multiple generations and crafted some of the most iconic songs in pop history.

With his keen ear for talent and composition, Foster has shaped the sound of mainstream music for decades. Even well into his 70s, he continues to produce, compose, perform and inspire. Foster’s enduring legacy and net worth of $150 million is a testament to his talents as one of the greatest music producers ever.

FAQ’s?

What is David Foster’s age?

David Foster is currently 73 years old. He was born on November 1, 1949, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Foster will turn 74 later this year.

 What is David Foster’s net worth?

According to reports, David Foster has an estimated net worth of $150 million as of 2023. His wealth stems from his decades-long career as a successful music producer, songwriter, composer, and recording artist.

Who is David Foster’s Wife?

David Foster is currently married to actress and singer Katharine McPhee. The couple tied the knot in 2019. This is Foster’s fifth marriage after previously being married to B.J. Cook, Rebecca Dyer, Linda Thompson and Yolanda Hadid.

Did David Foster have children?

Yes, David Foster has five daughters from previous relationships. They are Allison Jones Foster, Amy Skylark Foster, Sara Foster, Erin Foster, and Jordan Foster. His kids are also involved in the entertainment industry.

How old is David Foster?

As of 2023, David Foster is 73 years old. He was born on November 1, 1949. Foster will be turning 74 later this year, in November 2023.

What is David Foster’s height?

David Foster is around 6 feet 4 inches or 193 cm tall. The Canadian musician and producer has a slim, tall frame.

Who are David Foster’s daughters?

David Foster has five daughters – Allison, Amy, Sara, Erin, and Jordan. Allison is the eldest, while Amy, Sara, and Erin are known for their acting careers. His youngest daughter, Jordan Foster is a singer-songwriter.