A Legacy of Giving: Variety Honors David Foster as Entertainment Philanthropist of the Year

When David Foster created his philanthropic David Foster Foundation nearly 40 years ago, the venture to support the medical needs of Canadian families wasn’t the byproduct of a music mogul enjoying international fame and fortune. Quite the contrary.

In the mid-’80s, Foster was already known inside the music industry as one of pop music’s top session players, and the Canadian emigre’s reputation as a first-rate record producer was growing at a rapid pace. 

Foster had worked with top pop acts from Kenny Loggins and Kenny Rogers to Boz Skaggs, Joni Mitchell and Chicago, and had already scored Hollywood hit films such “The Secret of My Success” and “St. Elmo’s Fire.”

But the legend of David Foster really took hold years after the Foundation had already begun providing essential medical services, when his work with Whitney Houston on the history-making “The Bodyguard” soundtrack album as well as his monumental smash hits for major artists from Celine Dion to Andrea Bocelli began changing the history of contemporary music. 

Having first encountered David when I was a struggling songwriter back in the late 1970s, in the days before his superstardom when he was known in the Hollywood recording scene as the guy whose keyboards could help turn a so-so song into a polished pop record, I can attest to the man’s professionalism, charisma and passion for making music. 

I didn’t know about his passion for saving lives, but it’s no surprise to me to learn that only a few years after he graced our recording session, he was already applying his unstoppable energy and creativity to work that was light years beyond the wizardry he brought to the recording studio. 

Foster’s genius combined with his compassion gave birth to a philanthropy that is as beautiful as the greatest songs he’s brought to life. For anyone who’s been listening to music for the past half-century, you’ll know that’s as beautiful as it gets!