Keith Sweat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Keith Sweat
Sweat in 2023
Background information
Birth name	Keith Douglas Sweat
Born	(1961-07-22) July 22, 1961 (age 64) New York City, U.S.
Genres	R&B (Rhythm and Blues) new jack swing Hip Hop Soul
Occupations	Singer Songwriter Record producer
Years active	1975–present
Labels	KEIA Stadium Vintertainment Elektra Atco Rhino Kedar E1 RED Sony

Keith Douglas Sweat (born July 22, 1961) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known for his smooth R&B style and for being an early star in the new jack swing music movement. This style mixes R&B singing with hip-hop beats.

Keith Sweat has many popular songs, including "I Want Her," "Make It Last Forever," and "Twisted." He has released 13 solo albums and was also part of the R&B supergroup LSG. He also helped discover other music groups like Silk and Kut Klose.

Early Life and Education

Keith Douglas Sweat was born in Harlem, New York City. His mother, Juanita Thompson, was a hairdresser, and his father, Charles Sweat, worked in a factory. After his father passed away in 1973, his mother raised Keith and his four siblings by herself. When he was young, Keith performed at the famous Apollo Theater, which was close to his home.

Before he became a famous singer, Keith Sweat worked at 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. Keith believed it was important to have a backup plan for his future.

He quickly moved up in his finance career. Within four years, he became a brokerage assistant on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. He also worked as a supervisor for the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Music Career Highlights

Early Music Days with Jamilah

Keith Sweat began his music journey in 1975 as a member of a band called Jamilah. The band was based in Harlem, New York. Being the lead singer for Jamilah helped Keith improve his singing skills. They performed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The band was started by Larry Peoples, Michael Samuels, and Walter Bradley.

In 1984, Keith 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, independent record label called Stadium Records. He recorded two songs for them. He also helped write and produce a song for the group GQ, which included his uncle, Keith "Sabu" Crier.

Rise to Fame: Make It Last Forever

In 1987, Keith Sweat was discovered by Vincent Davis. He signed a recording contract with Vintertainment Records. This label was known for early hip-hop music.

While working on his first album, Keith teamed up with Teddy Riley, another artist from Harlem. Teddy Riley was known for producing hip-hop music. He helped Keith create the beats for hit songs like "I Want Her" and "Make It Last Forever." Teddy Riley also encouraged Keith to sing in his unique, slightly nasal voice. This helped Keith stand out from other singers.

On November 24, 1987, Keith 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 era, which blended R&B with hip-hop. The album's title song, "Make It Last Forever," also became very popular.

More Hit Albums and Discovering New Talent

Keith Sweat continued his success with his second album, I'll Give All My Love to You, released in 1990. It reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart. His third album, Keep It Comin', came out in 1991 and also did very well.

In 1992, Keith Sweat discovered the R&B group Silk. He helped them create their first album, Lose Control. This album included the hit song "Freak Me," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1993. Keith also discovered the female R&B group Kut Klose in 1993. He produced their first album, Surrender, which featured their popular song "I Like."

Keith released his fourth album, Get Up on It, in 1994. His fifth album, Keith Sweat, followed in 1996. Both albums were very successful. The songs "Twisted" and "Nobody" became some of his biggest hits. He also produced music for the R&B group Dru Hill in 1996.

In 1997, Keith Sweat helped the group Ol' Skool with their first album. He also formed the R&B supergroup LSG with Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill. Their first album, Levert.Sweat.Gill, was released that November. It included the hit song "My Body" and sold over two million copies.

Keith's sixth album, Still in the Game, came out in 1998. It featured popular songs like "Come and Get With Me" and "I'm Not Ready."

Recent Years and Radio Show

Sweat performing in 2009

Keith Sweat released his eighth album, Rebirth, in 2002. His 2008 album, Just Me, included the song "Love U Better." He released his tenth studio album, Ridin' Solo, in 2010.

Since 2007, Keith Sweat has hosted a radio show called The Keith Sweat Hotel. It's a popular show that plays R&B music and is heard across the country.

Personal Life

Keith Sweat was married to Lisa Wu from 1992 to 2002. They have two sons together, born in 1995 and 1998. Keith also has three daughters and another son named Joshua.

Discography

A discography is a list of all the music an artist has released.

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)

Film and Television Appearances

Film

Television

Awards and Recognitions

Keith Sweat has received several awards and nominations for his music.

• American Music Awards
  • 1991: Nominated for Favorite R&B/Soul Male Artist
  • 1997: Won Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist
  • 1997: Nominated for Favorite R&B/Soul Album for Keith Sweat
  • 1998: Nominated for Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist
  • 2013: Received the Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award