Keith Forsey
Keith Forsey, born on January 2, 1948, in London, England, is a distinguished musician, songwriter, and record producer whose work has significantly impacted the music industry. Forsey began his career as a drummer in the mid-1960s, playing with bands such as The Spectrum and Udo Lindenberg's Panik Orchester, and contributing to the work of Krautrock artists like Amon Düül II. By the late 1970s, he had become a pioneer in the disco genre, working with artists like Lipstique, Claudja Barry, and Boney M, and serving as Giorgio Moroder's drummer on iconic records by Donna Summer.
Transitioning into production, Forsey produced Billy Idol's debut solo album in 1982 and his successful follow-up, Rebel Yell, in 1983. His production style blended synthesized pop with punk and heavy metal influences. Forsey co-wrote the Academy Award-winning song "Flashdance...What a Feeling" for the film Flashdance, which became a massive hit in 1983. He also co-wrote and produced "Don't You (Forget About Me)" for The Breakfast Club soundtrack, which became a defining anthem of the 1980s.
Throughout his career, Forsey has worked on soundtracks for films like Beverly Hills Cop and The NeverEnding Story and produced albums for artists such as Charlie Sexton and Simple Minds. In the 2000s, he continued to produce music, including work with the band Rooney and a return to producing for Billy Idol. His contributions to music have been recognized with numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, and his work remains influential in both pop and rock music.