David Foster Net Worth

David Foster might not be the first name you think of when consideringinfluential people in the music business. But, he has made a huge impact in many areas. So much so that when taking a look at the David Foster Net Worth numbers, you need to consider his involvement in all of them.

David Foster might not be the first name you think of when considering influential people in the music business. But, he has made a huge impact in many areas. So much so that when taking a look at the David Foster Net Worth numbers, you need to consider his involvement in all of them.

Songwriter, keyboard player, singer, and record producer are some of the areas we will look at. Then I’ll complete the list of his active areas of involvement by also including actor, television producer, film score composer, and music arranger.

David Foster’s career has seen him work with people like Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Michael Buble. And also produced for Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, the Italian tenor Andre Bocelli and Toni Braxton. In total, he has had a hand in over 500 million album sales for those he has worked with.

Contents

His Early Life

He was born into a modest British Columbia, Canadian family. There was no indication in his early life that music would play such a prominent role. His father worked in a maintenance yard, and his mother ran the home.

His Early Life

It appears as though he had a good idea of where his future lay because, at 13, he enrolled in a University music program. Two years later, he had an audition for the position of band leader in a nightclub in Edmonton. A brave move for a 16-year-old.

The club was owned by Tommy Banks, a well-known jazz musician, who took a liking to Foster and began to school him on how the music business worked. He continued to work the clubs and even played in the band that supported Chuck Berry on a gig in Toronto.

Going To California

He formed his own band, Skylark, in which he played keyboards, and moved to Los Angeles. They were invited by Erik Wangberg to release their first single, “Wildflower”.

It was released in 1973 and did quite well, reaching #9 in America and #10 in Canada. The song was taken from the band’s first album called Skylark. It is an interesting song in that never once is the word ‘wildflower’ mentioned in the lyrics.

The group disbanded soon after, but he stayed on in Los Angeles, and he formed another band called Airplay. However, he realized there was more to music than just playing it, and he knew he could get involved.

New Avenues

He continued to play his own music but now supplemented this by writing and arranging for other people. His knowledge of the studio was also growing, and he became involved on the production side of things.

One of his early successes was working on the Earth, Wind, and Fire album I Am from 1979. One of the songs David Foster co-wrote with Maurice White was the popular “In The Stone”.

In total, he co-wrote six of the songs on the album and also contributed some keyboard parts. The album reached #3 on the American album chart.

New Avenues

His Star Was On The Rise

Working in the studio with the quality of Maurice White and Earth, Wind, and Fire brought him to the attention of a lot of people. Once again, other opportunities began to arise. Through the 1980s, he worked on several albums with Chicago and created the Kenny Loggins’ track “Heart to Heart” in 1982.

Foster played piano and created a great orchestral arrangement for the song. And again, working with Kenny Loggins, we got one of his best songs, “Forever”. Foster co-wrote both songs.

Kenny Rogers

Other notable work during this period was with Kenny Rogers. One of the two albums he worked on with Rogers was the 1984 release What About Me. He produced four of the tracks, worked on the arrangements, and played keyboards. The title track that he co-wrote with Rogers and Richard Marx reached #15 on the American chart.

Kenny Rogers

He also worked on Roger’s next album, The Heart Of The Matter, released in 1985. Once again, he co-wrote “The Best Of Me” with Richard Marx. He also contributed to the piano and synthesizer parts.

1985 was a very good year…

At least for recognition of David Foster’s songwriting skills. He was asked to compose the score for the film St. Elmo’s Fire. And he also had songs included in other films. In 1987, the soundtrack for The Secret Of My Success included “Gazebo” as well as another title song, “Stealing Home”, from the soundtrack to the 1988 film of the same name.

Possibly the icing on the cake for him as the decade moved towards its close was the Winter Olympics. Held in Calgary, Alberta, in 1988, he was asked to compose the theme song. He called it, rather appropriately, “Winter Games”.

More Opportunities

With some artists, it is sometimes difficult to appreciate just where their wealth came from. Not the case with the David Foster net worth number. The 80s were successful for him both as a songwriter and a producer. But things were about to get better.

In 1995, his growing reputation allowed him to secure an arrangement with WEA that gave him his own record label, 143 Records. One of the first groups he put under contract was the Irish Folk-Rock group The Corrs.

Foster produced their first album, Forgiven, Not Forgotten, which reached #1 in Australia and #2 in Ireland and the UK. Their first single, the much underrated “Runaway”, was taken from the album. Despite what seemed like a promising start, Foster decided that running a record label wasn’t for him. In 1997, he sold his stake to Warner Brothers and accepted a place with them as a senior VP.

A Return To Writing and Producing

David Foster’s success continued to roll in during the 90s. Once again, he got involved with the official song for The Olympics. This time not in Canada, but for the 1996 games in Atlanta. He wrote “The Power of the Dream” with Kenneth Edmonds. It was sung by Celine Dion.

A Return To Writing and Producing

You could say from a songwriting point of view, the 90s were ‘owned’ by Diane Warren. Foster produced some of the songs she had written for various artists. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion was also included in the film Up Close and Personal. One of the most memorable and successful songs from this period was Foster’s production of “Un-Break My Heart” sung by Toni Braxton.

Best Sellers at Christmas

Another area where he has been successful is in the production of Christmas albums. He produced the best-selling Christmas albums in 1998, and from 2007, 2008, to 2009, and again in 2011 and 2012.

These included working with people like Celine Dion on her Christmas album, These Are Special Times, from 1998. And he produced for Rod Stewart on his 2012 offering Merry Christmas, Baby. One could reasonably ask the question, “Is there anything he isn’t successful at?”

TV Appearances

It is not uncommon for successful people, especially those involved in music production, to be asked to go on TV shows. Needless to say, he has had many opportunities to appear on programs with music-related content.

Some of the TV shows David Foster has appeared on include ‘American Idol,’ ‘Nashville Star,’ ‘Star Tomorrow,’ and ‘Celebrity Duets.’ He has also appeared on the ‘Oprah Winfrey Show’ and also as a judge on ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ in 2015, 2017, and 2019.

Personal Life

Whilst David Foster’s professional life has been nothing short of a huge success, you could argue the opposite for his private life. He has been married five times and has five daughters and also seven grandchildren.

Perhaps it might be wrong to be judgmental of such issues. Working in the music business isn’t always the most conducive to a balanced home life.

His third marriage was to Linda Thompson, an actress, and lasted from 1991 to 2005, one of his most successful periods. They worked together writing songs, including the track “I Have Nothing”. This was sung by Whitney Houston in the film The Bodyguard. It was a worldwide success, and it was agreed it was one of the music highlights of the film.

Personal Life

Charity Work

David Foster can’t be accused of not getting involved in philanthropic activity. He set up the David Foster Foundation through which most, but not all, of his support, is channeled to worthy causes.

Over the years, he has been involved in raising millions of dollars for his foundation. The foundation itself was established to offer financial and other support to children who have serious medical conditions and are literally fighting for life.

Interested In Learning How Much Celebrities Make?

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Also, you might like to know where the rich and famous live. So, have a look at our guides on the Biggest Celebrities Who Live in Miami, the Celebrities that live in The Hamptons, the Celebrities that live in Nashville, the 15 Biggest Celebrities who live in NYC, the Celebrities who live in Beverly Hills, and the Richest Neighborhoods in America in 2023.

Final Thoughts

When you consider the success he has enjoyed, you might expect David Foster’s net worth to be quite impressive. But, apart from the royalties for songwriting and other music-based income he has and continues to enjoy, there is something else to consider. He has invested in real estate. 

In the last ten years, he has sold properties in Victoria, his Malibu estate, and his condominium in central Los Angeles. Those sales generated an income of about $60 million. He still owns a mansion in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles which is where he lives with his current wife, actress and singer Katharine McPhee.

Currently, the estimated net worth of David Foster is $150 million. Of course, that figure would have been much higher without four divorces to settle. But, with a healthy chunk in the bank and the royalties still coming in, I don’t suppose he loses any sleep. An all-around musically talented man. He is a good example of what can be achieved in the various fields he has been and is involved with.

Until next time, may you find your success story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is David Foster’s net worth, and how did he make his fortune?

As of 2021, David Foster’s net worth is estimated to be around $150 million. He made his fortune through his career as a music producer, composer, and songwriter. He has produced hit songs and albums for many notable artists in the music industry and has won a total of sixteen Grammy Awards.

What are some of David Foster’s biggest hits?

David Foster has produced and composed hit songs for many notable artists in the music industry. Some of his biggest hits include Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” Earth, Wind & Fire’s “After the Love Has Gone,” Barbra Streisand’s “Somewhere,” Celine Dion’s “The Power of Love,” Michael Bublé’s “Home,” and many others.

How many times has David Foster been married, and does he have any children?

David Foster has been married five times and has a total of five daughters and six grandchildren. His first marriage was to singer B.J. Cook, with whom he had one daughter. He then married his second wife, Rebecca Dyer, with whom he had three daughters. He then married actress Linda Thompson and they had two children before they divorced in 2005. His fourth marriage was to Dutch model Yolanda Hadid, and they had no children together. In 2019, David married American Idol alumna Katharine McPhee.

What awards has David Foster won in his career?

David Foster has won a total of sixteen Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Celine Dion’s “Falling into You” and Record of the Year for Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” He has also received awards from the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Order of British Columbia, and the Order of Canada.

What is David Foster’s involvement with “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”?

David Foster was a cast member of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” from season three through season six because his then-wife Yolanda Hadid was also part of the cast. He often appeared in the show, but he never had a central role in the plotlines.

What is David Foster’s educational background?

David Foster attended the University of Washington, where he studied music and composition.

Has David Foster ever collaborated with Andrea Bocelli?

Yes, David Foster has collaborated with Andrea Bocelli on several occasions, including producing and composing his hit song “The Prayer” and working on Bocelli’s album “Amore.”

What is the value of David Foster’s Malibu mansion, and who did he sell it to?

David Foster’s Malibu mansion was sold to former Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin for $12.75 million, which was higher than the property’s asking price of $11.6 million.

What is David Foster’s involvement with the David Foster Foundation?

The David Foster Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports families with children undergoing pediatric organ transplants. David Foster founded the foundation in 1986 and serves as its chairman.

What is David Foster’s involvement with the Vancouver Olympics?

David Foster was the music co-producer for the Vancouver Olympics, creating the themes and music for the opening and closing ceremonies.

Has David Foster ever worked with Michael Jackson?

Yes, David Foster has worked with Michael Jackson, producing and composing his hit song “Earth Song,” which was part of his album “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.”

What is the name of David Foster’s record label?

David Foster’s record label is called 143 Records, which he founded in 1995.

What is David Foster’s involvement with “The Masked Singer”?

David Foster has served as a guest judge on “The Masked Singer.”

What is David Foster’s involvement with “Asia’s Got Talent”?

David Foster is one of the judges on “Asia’s Got Talent.”

What instruments can David Foster play?

David Foster is a skilled pianist and can also play the keyboard, accordion, and synthesizer.

What is the name of the musical based on David Foster’s life?

The musical based on David Foster’s life is called “The Hitman’s Daughter.” It premiered in 2021 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

What is David Foster’s involvement with the Kennedy Center Honors?

David Foster has served as producer for the Kennedy Center Honors, which recognize exceptional artists who have made a significant contribution to American culture.

In conclusion, David Foster’s net worth is a reflection of his vast contribution to the music industry and his solid reputation as a talented music producer and songwriter. His legacy has earned him numerous awards and recognitions, and he continues to create and produce music that transcends time and generations.

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