After almost four decades in the music business, David Foster -- producer, arranger, songwriter, performer -- is finally ready to talk. In this compelling and outspoken memoir, Foster shares some of his incredible stories: the first time he met Barbra Streisand, as a young session player in Los Angeles; his first of 15 Grammys® for "After the Love Has Gone," Earth, Wind & Fire's memorable hit; the making of Unison, Celine Dion's English-language debut; the challenges he faced on his way to putting the group Chicago back on the charts; his award-winning contribution to Unforgettable: With Love, Natalie Cole's comeback album; those back-to-back recording sessions with Madonna and Michael Jackson; and the incredible chain of events that spawned Whitney Houston's historic blockbuster, "I Will Always Love You."
Foster has worked with superstars of every decade, including:
Celine Dion - Josh Groban - Whitney Houston - Michael Bublé - Barbra Streisand - Andrea Bocelli - Madonna - Michael Jackson - Natalie Cole - George Harrison - Earth, Wind & Fire - *NSYNC - Chicago - Paul McCartney - All-4-One - Katharine McPhee - Toni Braxton - Alice Cooper - Olivia Newton-John - Michael Bolton
...and many more.
From his unique and privileged vantage point, Foster describes the delicate balancing act between artist and producer, offers revealing portraits of some of those artists at work, and shares his secrets for success in the maddeningly fickle music industry.
At its heart, this is the story of a boy with perfect pitch who grew up to become one of the most influential musical forces of our time -- the solid gold hitman who produced the soundtrack of our lives.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Cliffs Notes Version I bought this book expecting something similar to Quincy Jones' autobiography or Fredric Dannen's "Hit Men" which has more anecdotal stuff about the music biz. There are many omissions in this book (like Foster as movie producer, etc.), seems like Foster only reveals what he wants the public to see. As a fan, I was disappointed that there were no big revelations, which is surprising, because Foster is in dire need of a shrink. His failure to communicate with his wives led to his divorces, which is odd,... more info
A MUST read book for anyone interested in "pop" music! I have always known little about David Foster except that he is "that Canadian guy who worked with Celine Dion et al" I truly enjoyed and appreciated that this man wrote such a revealing but balanced personal history of his years in show business from the humble beginnnings in dreary 60's london to the glitzy over the top L.A. scene in a heyday never to be repeated- Marvin and Barbara Davis' circle. This book is not about parties or excess though. David clues us in early on about his large wholesome... more info
couldn't put it down I have been a David Foster fan for years; I've always wanted to know the backstory. This book not only reconciles why Grammy-winning Foster has become the person he is (shares family history) and explains his gift (perfect pitch) but is quite the indulgence for anyone addicted to pop culture or major performers! This book recounts his interactions (successful & friendly or sour & resentful) with many of the singers we know and love: Michael Buble, Celine Dion, Frank Sintra, Barbra Streisand,... more info
dull dull book, not really interesting.
ok to read in short bursts on break at work
but I wouldn't really recommend it
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