David Foster is a highly acclaimed Canadian musician known for his work as a record producer, film composer, and music executive. With 16 Grammy Awards to his name, Foster's career started with the band Skylark before transitioning to composing and producing. His collaborations, often with lyricist Diane Warren, have resulted in numerous chart-topping hits across various genres. Beyond his production success, Foster also served as chairman of Verve Records.
November 1, 1949: Birth of David Foster
David Walter Foster was born on November 1, 1949 in Victoria, British Columbia.
1963: David Foster Enrolls at the University of Washington
At the age of 13, David Foster enrolled in the University of Washington's music program in 1963.
1965: David Foster Begins Mentorship with Tommy Banks
In 1965, David Foster auditioned to lead the band at an Edmonton nightclub owned by jazz musician Tommy Banks. Banks became Foster's mentor, guiding him in jazz, record production, and the music business.
1966: David Foster Joins Chuck Berry's Backup Band
David Foster joined Chuck Berry's backup band in 1966.
1970: Birth of Allison Jones Foster and First Marriage
At the age of 20, David Foster became a father for the first time with the birth of his daughter, Allison Jones Foster, whom he placed for adoption. This year also marked his first marriage to singer and writer B.J. Cook.
1973: Birth of Daughter Amy
David Foster and his wife, B.J. Cook, welcomed their second child, daughter Amy, in 1973. Amy would go on to follow in her parents' footsteps, becoming a songwriter and author.
1973: Skylark Achieves Top Ten Hit with "Wildflower"
David Foster's band, Skylark, achieved a top ten hit with their song "Wildflower" in 1973.
1974: David Foster Moves to Los Angeles with Skylark
In 1974, David Foster relocated to Los Angeles with his band, Skylark.
1975: David Foster Contributes to George Harrison's Album "Extra Texture"
David Foster played keyboard on George Harrison's album "Extra Texture" in 1975.
1976: David Foster Collaborates with Guthrie Thomas and Ringo Starr
In 1976, David Foster joined Guthrie Thomas on his second Capitol Records album, "Lies and Alibis", which also featured Ringo Starr and other notable musicians.
1980: David Foster Collaborates with Boz Scaggs on "Middle Man"
David Foster co-wrote several songs and played keyboard on Boz Scaggs' 1980 album, "Middle Man", including some of Scaggs' most popular tracks.
1981: Birth of Daughter Sara
David Foster and Rebecca Dyer welcomed their first daughter together, Sara, in 1981.
1981: David Foster Produces The Tubes' Album "The Completion Backward Principle"
David Foster worked as a producer on The Tubes' 1981 album, "The Completion Backward Principle".
October 27, 1982: Marriage to Rebecca Dyer
David Foster married his second wife, Rebecca Dyer, on October 27, 1982.
1982: David Foster Co-writes Kenny Loggins' Hit "Heart to Heart"
David Foster co-wrote Kenny Loggins' song "Heart to Heart", which was featured on Loggins' 1982 album "High Adventure".
1982: David Foster Produces Chicago's Album "Chicago 16"
David Foster produced Chicago's album "Chicago 16" in 1982.
1983: David Foster Produces The Tubes' Album "Outside Inside"
David Foster produced The Tubes' album "Outside Inside" in 1983.
1984: David Foster Works with Kenny Rogers on "What About Me?"
David Foster collaborated with Kenny Rogers on his hit album "What About Me?" in 1984.
1984: David Foster Produces Chicago's Best-Selling Album "Chicago 17"
David Foster produced Chicago's album "Chicago 17" in 1984, which became their highest-selling album, achieving multi-platinum status.
1984: Production of "Once Upon a Christmas"
David Foster's foray into producing best-selling Christmas albums began in 1984 with "Once Upon a Christmas" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.
September 7, 1985: "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" Tops the Billboard Hot 100
On September 7, 1985, "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)", a song from the film "St. Elmo's Fire" for which David Foster composed the score and co-wrote the song, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was performed by John Parr.
1985: Rolling Stone Magazine Feature
In 1985, Rolling Stone magazine characterized David Foster's musical style as "bombastic pop kitsch," highlighting his unique approach to popular music.
1985: David Foster Works with Kenny Rogers on "The Heart of the Matter"
David Foster collaborated with Kenny Rogers on his hit album "The Heart of the Matter" in 1985.
1985: David Foster Co-writes and Produces "Tears Are Not Enough"
David Foster co-wrote and produced the song "Tears Are Not Enough" in 1985. The song was recorded by a group of Canadian artists.
1985: David Foster Co-writes Kenny Loggins' Song "Forever"
David Foster co-wrote Kenny Loggins' song "Forever", released on Loggins' 1985 album "Vox Humana".
1986: David Foster Produces Chicago's Album "Chicago 18" and Collaborates with Peter Cetera
David Foster produced Chicago's album "Chicago 18" in 1986. He also co-wrote Peter Cetera's US No. 1 solo hit "Glory of Love" with Cetera and his wife, Diane Nini, in the same year.
1986: Divorce from Rebecca Dyer and Birth of Jordan
The year 1986 marked the end of David Foster's second marriage to Rebecca Dyer. However, amidst the divorce, the couple welcomed their third daughter together, Jordan.
1987: David Foster Composes for "The Secret of My Success"
David Foster composed the score for the film "The Secret of My Success", starring Michael J. Fox, in 1987. He also co-wrote the song "The Price of Love" for the film.
1988: David Foster Composes and Performs "Winter Games" for the Winter Olympics
David Foster composed "Winter Games", the instrumental theme song for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, where he also performed the instrumental and vocal versions.
1988: David Foster Scores "Stealing Home"
David Foster wrote the score for the film "Stealing Home", starring Jodie Foster and Mark Harmon, in 1988.
1989: Cliff Richard's Cover of "The Best of Me" Becomes a UK Hit
Cliff Richard's cover of "The Best of Me", originally co-written by David Foster and Richard Marx for Kenny Rogers' album "The Heart of the Matter", reached number two on the UK charts in 1989.
1990: Composition of "Grown-Up Christmas List"
David Foster composed the Christmas classic "Grown-Up Christmas List" in 1990.
1991: Marriage to Linda Thompson
David Foster entered his third marriage in 1991, tying the knot with songwriter Linda Thompson. This union also marked the beginning of a fruitful songwriting partnership between the two.
1992: Car Accident Involving Ben Vereen
In an unusual turn of events in 1992, David Foster was involved in a car accident with actor and dancer Ben Vereen. While tragic, the accident likely saved Vereen's life as he had recently suffered a stroke and was disoriented. Foster's quick action in calling for help proved crucial in Vereen's recovery.
1992: David Foster Collaborates on "I Have Nothing" for "The Bodyguard"
David Foster, along with his then-wife Linda Thompson, collaborated on the song "I Have Nothing" for the 1992 film "The Bodyguard", sung by Whitney Houston. The couple also made a cameo appearance in the film's Oscars scene.
1992: Songwriting Success with "I Have Nothing"
In a year marked by both personal and professional milestones, David Foster and then-wife Linda Thompson collaborated on the iconic song "I Have Nothing." The song, performed by Whitney Houston, was featured in the film "The Bodyguard" and became an instant success.
1992: "David Foster's Twilight Orchestra" in Indonesia
David Foster took his musical talents to Indonesia in 1992 to record "David Foster's Twilight Orchestra," a television show broadcasted on the nation's network, RCTI.
1995: David Foster Launches 143 Records with Warner Brothers
David Foster partnered with Warner Brothers to launch his own boutique record label, 143 Records, in 1995.
1995: Birth of Stepdaughter Gigi Hadid
Yolanda Hadid gave birth to her daughter, Gigi, in 1995, who would later become David Foster's stepdaughter after his marriage to Yolanda.
1996: David Foster Co-composes "The Power of the Dream" for the Summer Olympics
David Foster and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds collaborated on the composition of "The Power of the Dream", the official song for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
1996: Birth of Stepdaughter Bella Hadid
Yolanda Hadid welcomed her second daughter, Bella, in 1996, who would become David Foster's stepdaughter following his marriage to Yolanda.
1997: David Foster Sells 143 Records Back to Warner and Becomes Senior Vice President
In 1997, David Foster sold 143 Records back to Warner and assumed the role of senior vice president at the corporation.
1998: Production of "These Are Special Times"
David Foster worked with Celine Dion in 1998 to produce the Christmas album "These Are Special Times."
1999: Birth of Stepson Anwar Hadid
Anwar Hadid, Yolanda Hadid's son and David Foster's future stepson, was born in 1999.
1999: Golden Globe Win for "The Prayer"
David Foster's successful career in music reached new heights in 1999 when he was awarded the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for "The Prayer." This powerful ballad, performed by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion, was featured in the film "Quest for Camelot."
2001: David Foster Co-writes "I'll Make it Up as I Go" for "The Score"
David Foster, in collaboration with his daughter, Amy Foster-Gillies, co-wrote the song "I'll Make it Up as I Go", performed by Diana Krall for the 2001 film "The Score", starring Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando.
2001: Appearance on "Popstars"
David Foster stepped into the realm of reality television in 2001 with an appearance on the WB's "Popstars." The show aimed to create a successful girl group, leading to the formation of Eden's Crush, which featured Nicole Scherzinger. Foster, along with Linda Thompson, contributed to the group's album through songwriting and production.
2001: David Foster Produces Josh Groban's Debut Album
David Foster produced Josh Groban's debut album, released under his 143 Records label, in 2001.
2001: David Foster Records "O Canada" with Lara Fabian
David Foster collaborated with Lara Fabian and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 2001 to record English, French, and bilingual versions of the Canadian national anthem, "O Canada", for a Canadian government promotion.
2002: David Foster Co-writes "Light the Fire Within" for the Winter Olympics
David Foster, in collaboration with his then-wife Linda Thompson, composed the song "Light the Fire Within" for the 2002 Winter Olympics, performed by LeAnn Rimes.
2003: David Foster Produces Michael Bublé's Debut Album
David Foster produced Michael Bublé's debut album in 2003, released through his 143 Records label.
2003: David Foster Wins Emmy Award for "The Concert for World Children's Day"
David Foster was awarded an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics for "The Concert for World Children's Day" in 2003.
2004: David Foster Produces Renee Olstead's Debut Album
David Foster produced Renee Olstead's debut album, which was released under his 143 Records label, in 2004.
2005: Divorce from Linda Thompson and "The Princes of Malibu"
After 14 years of marriage, David Foster and Linda Thompson decided to part ways in 2005. That same year, a short-lived reality show, "The Princes of Malibu," aired, featuring Foster, Thompson, and Thompson's sons, Brandon and Brody Jenner.
2005: "The Princes of Malibu" Reality Show
David Foster's family life took center stage in 2005 with the reality show "The Princes of Malibu" on Fox. The show offered a glimpse into Foster's attempts to instill responsibility in his stepsons, Brandon and Brody Jenner (sons of Linda Thompson and Caitlyn Jenner).
2005: "Stand Up For Love" for World Children's Day
In 2005, David Foster collaborated with his daughter, Amy Foster-Gillies, and Beyoncé to create the anthem "Stand Up For Love" for World Children's Day. This initiative aimed to champion children's causes, raising over $50 million for charities like Ronald McDonald House Charities.
April 2006: Guest Appearances on Music Shows
David Foster's expertise was in demand in April 2006 as he made guest appearances on several music-based television programs. He served as a guest mentor on "American Idol," a guest judge on "Nashville Star," and a judge on the FOX show "Celebrity Duets." Additionally, he participated in "Star Tomorrow," a talent search program.
July 2006: Vocal Coach and Musical Director
David Foster showcased his versatility in July 2006, acting as Star Jones's vocal coach on an episode of "The View."
August 2006: Musical Direction for JCPenney Jam
David Foster contributed his musical direction skills to "JCPenney Jam's The Concert For American Kids" in August 2006.
November 2007: Performance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show"
David Foster graced the stage of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in November 2007 for the program's annual "Favorite Things" episode, delivering a memorable performance with Josh Groban.
2007: Production of "Noël"
David Foster collaborated with Josh Groban in 2007 to produce the Christmas album "Noël."
September 2008: Appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" with Charice
David Foster returned to "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in September 2008, this time alongside rising star Charice. The show also featured a special appearance by Celine Dion via satellite.
December 2008: "Hit Man: David Foster & Friends" PBS Special
December 2008 saw the airing of "Hit Man: David Foster & Friends" on PBS. This concert special highlighted David Foster's career and included captivating live performances by Foster himself and a star-studded lineup of musicians.
2008: Hitman: David Foster & Friends Concert
David Foster orchestrated the "Hitman: David Foster & Friends" concert in 2008 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. This one-night event showcased Foster's musical prowess alongside performances by renowned artists like Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and Celine Dion.
2009: Production of "My Christmas"
David Foster teamed up with Andrea Bocelli in 2009 to produce the Christmas album "My Christmas."
2009: Production for Whitney Houston's Comeback
In 2009, David Foster collaborated with songwriter Diane Warren to produce tracks for Whitney Houston's highly anticipated comeback album. This collaboration resulted in the Foster-produced single, "I Didn't Know My Own Strength."
2010: David Foster Produces Charice's Debut Album
David Foster produced Charice's debut album, released on his 143 Records label, in 2010.
May 30, 2011: Collaboration with Jackie Evancho
David Foster shared the stage with rising star Jackie Evancho on May 30, 2011, during her "Dream With Me" concert at the Ringling Brothers Museum in Sarasota, Florida. The concert was broadcasted on PBS.
November 11, 2011: Marriage to Yolanda Hadid
David Foster and Dutch model Yolanda Hadid exchanged vows in a lavish ceremony in Beverly Hills, California on November 11, 2011.
December 15, 2011: Chairman of Verve Music Group
David Foster assumed the role of Chairman at Verve Music Group on December 15, 2011, marking a significant step in his career within the music industry.
2011: Production of "Christmas"
David Foster lent his production talent to Michael Bublé's Christmas album, "Christmas," in 2011.
2011: Collaboration with Andrea Bocelli
David Foster's musical partnership with Andrea Bocelli continued to flourish in 2011. Foster was featured in Bocelli's live album, "Concerto: One Night in Central Park," and four PBS specials. Bocelli also graced the stage during one of Foster's "Hit Man" specials.
2012: David Foster Becomes Chairman of Verve Records
In 2012, David Foster was appointed Chairman of Verve Records.
2012: Appearance on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"
David Foster stepped into the world of reality television once again in 2012 with a cameo appearance on an episode of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." His wife at the time, Yolanda Foster, later joined the show's cast for its third season.
2012: Production of "Merry Christmas, Baby"
David Foster worked with Rod Stewart in 2012 to produce the Christmas album "Merry Christmas, Baby."
January 2013: Production of Albums for Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli
David Foster's production expertise was sought after by two renowned vocalists in January 2013. He produced Mary J. Blige's debut Christmas album, "A Mary Christmas," and Andrea Bocelli's album, "Passione," a collection of romantic Mediterranean songs featuring collaborations with artists like Jennifer Lopez and Nelly Furtado.
2013: Production of "A Mary Christmas"
David Foster produced Mary J. Blige's first Christmas album, "A Mary Christmas," in 2013.
2014: Album Production for Bryan Adams
David Foster lent his production talent to Bryan Adams in 2014 for the album "Tracks of My Years."
December 1, 2015: Announcement of Separation from Yolanda Hadid
After four years of marriage, David Foster and Yolanda Hadid announced their decision to separate on December 1, 2015, marking the end of their nine-year relationship.
2015: Judge on "Asia's Got Talent"
David Foster expanded his judging repertoire in 2015 by joining the judging panel of "Asia's Got Talent."
2016: David Foster Steps Down as Chairman of Verve Records
David Foster stepped down as Chairman of Verve Records in 2016.
2016: Departure from Verve
In 2016, David Foster's time at Verve Music Group came to an end due to a reorganization within the label.
October 16, 2017: Finalization of Divorce from Yolanda Hadid
David Foster and Yolanda Hadid's divorce was finalized on October 16, 2017.
2017: Return to "Asia's Got Talent"
David Foster returned as a judge on "Asia's Got Talent" for its second season in 2017, alongside Anggun, Mel C, and Vanness Wu.
June 2018: Engagement to Katharine McPhee
David Foster and Katharine McPhee announced their engagement in June 2018.
2018: Musical Collaboration with Jewel
David Foster embarked on a new creative venture in 2018, collaborating with singer-songwriter Jewel to develop a musical. Their project drew inspiration from Amy Bloom's novel, "Lucky Us."
June 28, 2019: Marriage to Katharine McPhee
David Foster and Katharine McPhee celebrated their wedding on June 28, 2019, at the Armenian Church of St Yeghiche in South Kensington, London.
September 2019: Premiere of "David Foster: Off the Record"
A documentary chronicling the life and career of David Foster premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2019. "David Foster: Off the Record," directed and produced by Barry Avrich, incorporated archival footage, interviews, and appearances by musical icons such as Barbra Streisand, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and Celine Dion.
2019: Judge on "Asia's Got Talent" and "World's Got Talent"
David Foster continued his judging stint on "Asia's Got Talent" for its third season in 2019, this time partnering with Anggun and Jay Park. He also lent his judging expertise to the Chinese-language version of the talent show, "World's Got Talent."
2019: Juno Awards Recognition and Philanthropic Support
In 2019, David Foster was acknowledged at the Juno Awards for his work with the David Foster Foundation, a testament to his commitment to supporting children in need of medical transplants. He also continued to show strong support for Israel, engaging in fundraising efforts for their military.
2019: "An Intimate Evening with David Foster" on PBS
PBS hosted a special program titled "An Intimate Evening with David Foster" in 2019. The show featured an array of talented artists, including Foster's wife, Katharine McPhee, tenor Fernando Varela, Pia Toscano, Loren Allred, and Shelea.
February 2021: Birth of Son Rennie David Foster
David Foster and Katharine McPhee welcomed their first child together, a son named Rennie David, in February 2021.
2021: Appearance on "The Masked Singer"
David Foster and his wife, Katharine McPhee, took on the challenge of "The Masked Singer" in 2021, competing as "Banana Split" during the show's sixth season. Foster, disguised as the banana, focused on playing instruments, while McPhee, as the ice cream, took the lead on vocals.
2022: Release of "Christmas Songs" EP
David Foster and Katharine McPhee, his fifth wife, collaborated on a seven-song Christmas EP titled "Christmas Songs" in 2022.
October 20, 2023: Re-release of Expanded "Christmas Songs" Album
The "Christmas Songs" album by David Foster and Katharine McPhee was expanded and re-released on October 20, 2023, featuring seven new tracks in addition to the original seven.
November 19, 2023: Premiere of "Boop! The Musical"
The culmination of David Foster's efforts in composing a musical centered around the iconic Betty Boop character came to fruition on November 19, 2023. "Boop! The Musical," featuring lyrics by Susan Birkenhead and a book by Bob Martin, premiered at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago.