Mentoring
“Paul [Anka] had a favorite expression that has stayed with me to this day: 'Good is the enemy of great.' I firmly believe that. Anybody can be good; the challenge—in everything—is to be great.”

—David Foster


David Foster is unique among his peers in the world of music, with a history of remarkable accomplishments. He is a 16-time GRAMMY winner, 3-time Oscar nominee, Emmy winner, renowned producer, songwriter, TV host, noted author and record company executive. But what further sets him apart is his uncanny ability to recognize people of talent and the commercial success that lies before them.

In his position, he receives hundreds if not thousands of "demo" tapes and CDs each year. Yet out of that overwhelming deluge of vocal talent he found Celine Dion, a young teenager singing under a tent near Montreal, Josh Groban, a voice student whose tape was the last one in the stack, Michael Bublé, whom he heard singing oldies at a wedding ... and the list goes on. All of them share a common bond now: they are international superstars heard the world over.

David hears potential and then mentors each artist to help them discover the magic he has already imagined. Many artists have been the recipients of his tireless efforts to bring the very best out of each incredible voice—Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Andrea Bocelli, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, Michael Bolton, Seal and Charice, along with famed groups Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire and All 4 One. David has also mentored numerous other singers who may not have reached stardom, but still achieved their dreams by becoming professional background singers, Broadway performers and teachers.

We, then, are the ultimate beneficiaries of David's rare gift for discovering talent and knowing exactly how to mentor, coach, produce and promote those artists until their inspiring songs become our favorites—indeed, some of the greatest music in the world.

David is an example of someone who gives not only of his talent but of his time. In addition to his incredible work in the music community, he is a true philanthropist. He created the David Foster Foundation, an organization which creates organ donor awareness and is dedicated to providing financial support to families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants. He also participates in helping many other charities (Muhammad Ali's Parkinson Center, Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Children, Project Clean Water and Red Cross, to name a few).

Through David’s work in the communities around him, he provides an inspirational example of how to create positive change. Following his example, perhaps we might find an opportunity to give of ourselves or mentor someone to help them discover their own untapped potential.

Mentoring. Pass It On!

This billboard about Mentoring features David Foster; musician, record producer, composer, singer, songwriter, and arranger.

Pass It On®

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Your Comments
Jenna Herritt from Kent state APRIL 14, 2020
Woohoo bravo David,you're the best

Anonymous SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
Wow, amazing

hop from unknown OCTOBER 25, 2013
I agree

Bruce Macintyre from Las Vegas, NV AUGUST 13, 2013
"In all my years of doing music, which is 45 years, I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like this." - David Foster on Jackie Evancho. Mentoring her alone would be an accomplishment for a lifetime.

arabellamarymarge from gmail APRIL 10, 2013
Although spending much time w/pop, studying the liner notes of "Call Me Irresponsible", changed my life. I can hear the instruments smiling along with Michael

Michael C from New Braunfels, TX JANUARY 4, 2013
Let the good people on earth shine, and help others to see and know the truth of a higher level of consciousness. Music transcends and lifts us all! Great Job David!

Stephanie from Portland, Oregon JUNE 15, 2012
Wow.

Jack Wohlert from Indianapolis MARCH 22, 2012
I found this article to be very inspirational and it lets me know that no matter what, I need to help other find themselves.

R. Flores from 3256 N. Pulaski, Chicago, ILL MARCH 5, 2012
Mr. Foster,you are my Hero ! You are a devoted father like me. You understand how a father facilitates opportunities for his children. Sir,I have a daughter who won a contest to sing the National Anthem in Tampa Stadium, Feb.4,2012.MAVI FLORES at Monster Jam, she is on YouTube and Google, She is my Hero.Thank you for your attention Sir.

Ramon Flores from 3256 N. Pulaski,Chicago,ILL 60641 MARCH 5, 2012
Mr. Foster, I have read that you are a very devoted father an like me you have married twice so I think you will empathize with me. I have a daughter who survived through a divorce and many other obstacles.However, she recently won a contest to sing the National Anthem/ she sang at Raymond James Stadium on Feb.4,2012,Monster Jam.Her name is MAVI FLORES,she is on YouTube with a Red sweter.She Idolized Whitney Houston and Etta James and she loves Celine Dion, Alicia Keys and Nora Jones. My daughter is my Hero.Could you help her to achieve her dream ? You are the Hero whom I admire.Thank you for your attention Sir

Sally from Seattle  JANUARY 11, 2012
Love so much of David Foster's music. Thankyou!

Joe from Canada JANUARY 11, 2012
Thankyou for all the great music David Foster!

Laura Carroll from Manachaca, Texas  JANUARY 5, 2012
M r. Foster, You are very respected by me. I have been blessed to watch you on Public TV, showcasing talent you have groomed. I am anixous to submit my grand-daugther dvd for your review. Thanking you in advance, Laura

Jacquelne from FL DECEMBER 24, 2011
David - I am enamored my your talent and would like nothing less than to be your mentee

Melanie from Massachusetts DECEMBER 20, 2011
I have always been a fan of David Foster's music. Reading this bio reaffirms my appreciation of his music and renewed respect for David Foster, the man. Thanks for sharing this!

Hanh from Houston, TX AUGUST 10, 2011
Really awesome billboard! Thank you for the bio and for David Foster's contribution to the music industry and more. My life was probably inspired by him before I even knew it!!


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