Keith Sweat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Keith Sweat
Sweat in 2023
Background information
Born	(1961-07-22) July 22, 1961 (age 63) New York City, U.S.
Genres	R&B new jack swing hip hop soul urban
Occupations	Singer songwriter record producer
Years active	1975–present
Labels	KEIA Stadium Vintertainment Elektra Atco Rhino Kedar E1 RED Sony

Keith Sweat (born July 22, 1961) is an American singer and songwriter. He is famous for his R&B music. Keith Sweat was an early artist in a music style called new jack swing. This style mixes R&B singing with hip hop beats.

He is known for many hit songs like "I Want Her" and "Nobody." Keith Sweat has released many albums. He also helped start the music groups Silk and Kut Klose. His music style was influenced by other artists and a type of music called go-go music.

Early Life and Education

Keith Sweat was born in Harlem, New York City. His mother, Juanita Thompson, was a hairdresser. His father, Charles Crier, worked in a factory. After his father passed away in 1973, his mother raised Keith and his four siblings.

When he was young, Keith Sweat performed at the famous Apollo Theater. This theater was very close to his home.

Before becoming a famous singer, Sweat worked at a Macy's department store. He also worked as a mail room clerk at a company called Paine Webber. He even earned a degree in communications from City College of New York. He believed it was important to have a backup plan for his future.

He quickly moved up in his finance career. He became a brokerage assistant on the New York Stock Exchange. He also worked as a supervisor for the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Music Career

Early Days with Jamilah (1975–1984)

Keith Sweat began his music journey in 1975. He was part of a band from Harlem called Jamilah. Being the lead singer of Jamilah helped him improve his skills. The band performed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The group was started by Larry Peoples, Michael Samuels, and Walter Bradley.

In 1984, Sweat left Jamilah to start his solo career. He sang in nightclubs around New York City. He then got a chance to record music for a small record company called Stadium Records. He recorded two songs for them. He also helped write and produce a song for the group GQ. One of GQ's original members, Keith "Sabu" Crier, is his uncle.

Make It Last Forever and New Jack Swing (1987–1989)

In 1987, Keith Sweat was discovered by Vincent Davis. Davis offered him a record deal with his label, Vintertainment Records. This label was known for early Hip-Hop songs.

While working on his first album, Sweat teamed up with Teddy Riley. Riley was known for producing hip-hop artists. Riley had already created the music for "I Want Her" and "Make It Last Forever." He encouraged Sweat to sing in his unique nasal voice. This helped Sweat's voice stand out from other singers.

On November 24, 1987, Sweat released his first album, Make It Last Forever. It sold three million copies! The song "I Want Her" became a huge hit. It helped start the new jack swing music style. The album's title song also became very popular.

More Hit Albums (1990-1991)

Sweat continued his success with his second album, I'll Give All My Love to You (1990). This album reached number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart. In 1991, he released his third album, Keep It Comin'. This album also made it into the top 20 on the album charts.

Discovering New Talent (1992–2001)

In 1992, Sweat discovered the group Silk. He helped them create their first album, Lose Control. This album reached number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart. One of Silk's songs, "Freak Me," became a number 1 hit in 1993.

In 1993, Sweat also found the female R&B group Kut Klose. He produced their first album, Surrender. Their song "I Like" became a big hit.

Sweat released his fourth album, Get Up on It, in 1994. His fifth album, Keith Sweat, came out in 1996. Both albums made it into the top ten on the Billboard 200. The songs "Twisted" and "Nobody" were huge hits for him. He also produced music for the R&B group Dru Hill in 1996.

In 1997, Sweat discovered the group Ol' Skool. He helped them with their first album. He was also featured on their song "Am I Dreaming." That same year, Sweat formed a supergroup called LSG. He joined with Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill. Their first album, Levert.Sweat.Gill, was a big success. It sold over two million copies and reached number 4 on the Billboard 200.

Sweat's sixth album, Still in the Game, was released in 1998. It featured the songs "Come and Get With Me" and "I'm Not Ready." Around 2000, his songs started to appear less often in the top charts.

Later Career and Radio Show (2002–Present)

Sweat performing in 2009

On August 13, 2002, Keith Sweat released his eighth album, Rebirth. He continued to release new music, including his tenth album, Ridin' Solo, in 2010.

Since 2007, Keith Sweat has hosted a radio show called The Keith Sweat Hotel. This show plays R&B music and is broadcast across the country.

Personal Life

Keith Sweat was married to Lisa Wu Hartwell from 1992 to 2002. They had two sons together. He also has three daughters and another son.

Discography

Studio albums

• Make It Last Forever (1987)
• I'll Give All My Love to You (1990)
• Keep It Comin' (1991)
• Get Up on It (1994)
• Keith Sweat (1996)
• Still in the Game (1998)
• Didn't See Me Coming (2000)
• Rebirth (2002)
• A Christmas of Love (2007)
• Just Me (2008)
• Ridin' Solo (2010)
• Til the Morning (2011)
• Dress to Impress (2016)
• Playing for Keeps (2018)

Collaboration albums

• Levert.Sweat.Gill (1997)
• LSG2 (2003)

Filmography

Film

Television

Awards and Nominations

• American Music Awards
  • 1991: Favorite R&B/Soul Male Artist (nominated)
  • 1997: Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist (winner)
  • 1997: Favorite R&B/Soul Album for Keith Sweat (nominated)
  • 1998: Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist (nominated)
  • 2013: Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award