Fast facts on David Foster

* Full name David Walter Foster

* Born in British Columbia, Canada on November 1, 1949

* At age 16 became a member of Chuck Berry's backing band

* Was the keyboard player in the Canadian group "Wildflower" which had a number 9 hit on the Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1972

* Songs that he has written include:
After the love is gone - Earth,Wind & Fire
Got to be real - Cheryl Lynn
The prayer - Andreas Bocelli and Celine Dion
Who's holding Donna now - Debarge
Through the fire - Chaka Khan
Hard to say I'm sorry - Chicago
The glory of love - Peter Cetera
I have nothing - Whitney Houston (co-written with then wife Linda Thompson)

* Wrote the entire film score for the movie "St Elmo's Fire"

* Produced the cast album for the Broadway hit musical "Dreamgirls" in 1982

* Produced Natalie Cole/Nat King Cole album "Unforgettable"

* Has produced for Mariah Carey, Deneice Williams, Michael Bolton, Paul Anka, Kenny Rogers, Brian McKnight, Dolly Parton, Toni Braxton, Al Jarreau

* Has been a judge on reality shows Popstars, Nashville Star, Celebrity Duets and Star Tomorrow.

* Was a mentor on an episode of American Idol in 2005

* Has won a total of 14 Grammy Awards

* Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame

* Has been married 3 times and has 5 daughters