David Foster is a Canadian pianist, producer, singer and songwriter who first came to recognized fame as the keyboardist for the band Skylark, whose 1973 single Wildflower was a Top 10 hit in both Canada and the USA

His works have since spanned every decade through to today, but to me, his most iconic time was during the 1980s and there are many hits in the 80s that you might not even know he had involvement with (though feel free to mention his non 80s stuff as well).  Here are two to begin...


Gordon Lightfoot - Anything For Love (1986)
Co-written by Foster who also played keyboards/synthesizer.  This was Lightfoot's final Top 40 hit in Canada where it peaked at #39

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Anne Murray - Now and Forever (You and Me) (1986)
Co-written by Foster who also played keyboards/synthesizer.  A #1 country single in both Canada and the US, but in the pop music world, it peaked at #12 in Canada and #92 in the US

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In 1985, David Foster composed the soundtrack for the popular film St. Elmo's Fire, which spawned 3 singles... wait 3?

St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion) by John Parr was a #1 single in both the US and Canada and peaked at #6 in the UK.  Foster's instrumental Love theme From St. Elmo's Fire peaked at #7 in Canada and #15 in the US. 

Co-written with Richard Marx, a third single titled If I Turn You Away by Vikki Moss (who at the time was best known as Wayne Gretzky's girlfriend) failed to chart, but I can tell you that it was well played on Canadian radio!  It never actually dawned on me that it was even released as a single until I found a physical copy of the 45. 

Vikki Moss - If I Turn You Away (1985)
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Also in 1985, Foster co-wrote and played electric piano and synthesizer on the DeBarge hit Who's Holding Donna Now.  This peaked at #6 in the US, #9 in Canada and #83 in the UK

DeBarge - Who's Holding Donna Now (1985)
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