Keith Forsey

Keith Forsey is a renowned musician, songwriter, and producer whose influence has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Born in London, England, Forsey’s journey into the world of music began at an early age. He displayed a natural aptitude for rhythm and melody, honing his skills on the drums and percussion instruments. In the late 1960s, Forsey’s passion for music led him to pursue a career as a professional drummer. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent. During this time, he collaborated with various artists and bands, one of them being The Spectrum which was founded by his brother Colin. Forsey’s career took a significant turn when he relocated to Germany in the mid-1970s. There, he found himself immersed in the dynamic music culture of the era, working with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Giorgio Moroder and Harold Faltermeyer. His versatility as a musician allowed him to seamlessly transition between different genres, from rock and pop to disco and new wave. During this creative timeframe, he co-wrote the classic song “Hot Stuff” with Moroder and Faltermeyer for the award-winning Donna Summer, which went on to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. One of Forsey’s next significant songwriting contributions came in 1983 when he collaborated with Moroder on the soundtrack for the film “Flashdance.” The soundtrack featured the smash hit “What a Feeling”, co-written and performed by Irene Cara, earning Forsey both critical acclaim and commercial success. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, solidifying Forsey’s status as a prolific songwriter. However, it was Forsey’s producing abilities that truly set him apart. Starting in the 1980s, he formed a fruitful partnership with Billy Idol and went on to produce Billy Idol’s next few albums. Those albums included such hits as “White Wedding”, “Rebel Yell”, and “Eyes Without a Face” catapulting Idol to international stardom and cemented Forsey’s reputation as a top-tier producer. Forsey also ventured into film composing and produced songs and soundtracks for many movies. Most notable was “The Breakfast Club”, where the song “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds, co-written with Steve Schiff, went on to be a huge Number 1 single that has stood the test of time and is beloved by all. Keith Forsey’s impact on music and popular culture cannot be overstated. His body of work continues to inspire artists and audiences alike, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music history as both a songwriter and music producer.