Keith Sweat Biography: Age, Career, Spouse, Net Worth

Who is Keith Sweat?

Keith Douglas Sweat is an American singer, songwriter, and one of the defining figures of the New Jack Swing movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He became widely known for his distinctive voice and smooth ballads, contributing to the popularization of contemporary R&B. Some of his most iconic songs include “I Want Her,” “Make It Last Forever,” “I’ll Give All My Love to You,” “Make You Sweat,” “Get Up on It,” “Twisted,” and “Nobody.” These tracks not only defined his career but also had a lasting influence on the genre, cementing him as one of the standout artists of his time​.

Profiling Keith Sweat

Keith Sweat Biography

Keith Sweat is a highly influential American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer, widely regarded as a trailblazer in the new jack swing movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Born on July 22, 1961, in Harlem, New York City, Keith Sweat quickly became known for his unique blend of smooth, soulful ballads and the more rhythmic, funk-influenced sound that defined the new jack swing genre. His debut album, Make It Last Forever, released in 1987, marked a major milestone in his career, going triple platinum and cementing his place in R&B history.

The success of Make It Last Forever was driven by its standout single “I Want Her,” which became a major hit and is considered one of the defining tracks of the new jack swing era. This song not only helped establish Sweat’s signature sound—smooth, sultry vocals combined with groovy beats—but also introduced him as a leading figure in contemporary R&B. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Keith Sweat continued to release successful albums, including I’ll Give All My Love to You (1990) and Make You Sweat (1994), both of which contributed further to his reputation as a key figure in the genre.

Over the course of his more than three-decade-long career, Keith Sweat has maintained his influence, not just through his own music but also through collaborations with other major artists and groups. Known for his distinctive falsetto and romantic lyrics, Sweat has worked with some of R&B’s biggest names, including Silk, Johnny Gill, and Bobby Brown, further solidifying his role in shaping the sound of contemporary R&B.

In addition to his musical career, Keith Sweat has expanded his influence into radio. He is the host of The Sweat Hotel, a widely syndicated radio show, where he shares his passion for music and engages listeners with his signature smooth style. The show has become a favorite for many fans of R&B, offering both classic hits and newer tracks that fit within the genre’s smooth, soulful tradition.

Keith Sweat’s legacy as a pioneering artist in the R&B world continues to thrive, with his music still resonating with fans new and old. His contributions to the genre, from his smooth vocal delivery to his influential role in the new jack swing movement, have earned him a lasting place in music history.

Early Life And Education

Keith Douglas Sweat, born on July 22, 1961, is now 63 years old and has lived a life that reflects the vibrant yet challenging environment of Harlem, New York, where he was raised. Growing up in this culturally rich neighborhood deeply influenced his music, with the sounds of R&B, soul, and gospel all playing vital roles in shaping his artistic development. His parents, Charles Sweat, a factory worker, and Juanita Sweat, a hairdresser who later worked as a brokerage clerk, provided a stable home despite facing their own struggles.

Keith’s father passed away when he was just twelve years old, which led his mother to raise him and his siblings as a single parent. This experience of losing his father at a young age would have a profound impact on Keith’s outlook on life and his music.

From an early age, Keith showed an interest in performance. His natural talent for singing and his drive to entertain were apparent, and by the age of 14, he was already performing at local New York nightclubs, a testament to his early dedication to music. This passion for performing continued to grow, and he began to hone his skills, which would later help propel him to fame.

For his higher education, Keith Sweat attended the City College of New York, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in communications. Despite the promising academic path he was on, Sweat’s heart was drawn to music, and he began to focus on his creative passions. Before fully dedicating himself to music, Sweat worked as a brokerage assistant on Wall Street. Although this job provided financial stability and a secure future, it was clear that his true calling lay in music. He eventually made the bold decision to leave behind the corporate world and pursue his dream of becoming a professional musician, a choice that would soon lead him to major success and an enduring career in R&B​.

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Age

Keith Sweat was born on July 22, 1961. As of 2024, he is 63 years old.

Career

Keith Sweat is a renowned American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer, widely credited with pioneering the New Jack Swing era in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His career took off in 1987 with the release of his debut album Make It Last Forever, which was a major success, earning triple platinum status and featuring the hit single “I Want Her.” This song not only established him as a leading figure in contemporary R&B but also helped shape the genre during its formative years​.

Following his success with Make It Last Forever, Sweat released I’ll Give All My Love to You in 1990, which also went platinum, and Keep It Comin’ in 1991, further solidifying his place in the music world. His fourth album, Get Up on It (1994), reached No. 1 on the Top R&B Hip-Hop Albums chart, cementing his influence. Throughout the 1990s, Keith Sweat continued to produce chart-topping hits, including the albums Keith Sweat (1996), which went 4x platinum, and Still in the Game (1998), both of which maintained his relevance in the ever-evolving R&B scene​.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Sweat also found success as a radio personality. He hosts The Keith Sweat Hotel, a syndicated show where he plays R&B music and engages with fans in intimate, heartfelt conversations. His long-lasting influence extends beyond his own music, as he played a crucial role in the success of groups like Silk and Kut Klose, producing their debut albums and helping them reach broader audiences​

Keith Sweat’s career continues to thrive, with him adapting to new musical trends while staying true to his soulful roots.

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Discography

•   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)
•   Just Me (2008)
•   Ridin’ Solo (2010)

Filmography

•   Blue Streak (1999)
•   New Jack City (1991)

Books

•   Make It Last Forever: The Dos and Don’ts

Awards

•   1997: American Music Award for Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist
•   2013: Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award

Personal Life

Keith Sweat’s personal life has been marked by both public and private moments. He married Lisa Wu-Hartwell, a reality television star best known for her appearances on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, in 1992. Together, they had two sons, Jordan and Justin. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 2002. In the aftermath of the separation, Keith Sweat was awarded full custody of their children, a decision that highlighted his commitment to his family. Despite the challenges of divorce, Keith remained deeply involved in his sons’ lives.

In addition to his two sons with Lisa Wu-Hartwell, Keith Sweat also has three daughters. One of his daughters, Keyshia, was born from his relationship with Tracy J. He has another son, Joshua, from a different relationship, though details about his other children’s mothers remain largely private. Keith Sweat has kept a relatively low profile when it comes to his romantic relationships following his divorce, with little information about new partnerships.

Throughout his life, Keith has focused on his family, ensuring that his children are a priority. His personal and professional commitments continue to shape his life, with his music career remaining at the forefront of his endeavors. Despite the challenges and changes in his personal life, Keith Sweat has maintained a strong relationship with his children, and he remains single, continuing to devote his time to his career and family life.

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Net Worth

As of 2024, Keith Sweat’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $250,000. This figure reflects his long and successful career in R&B music, but it also highlights some significant financial setbacks, including tax issues and mortgage-related lawsuits​.

Despite these challenges, Keith Sweat has maintained a presence in the industry through his music, radio hosting, and production efforts​.

At his peak, his wealth was much higher, and he remains an iconic figure in the R&B world.

Social Media

•   Instagram: @keithsweat
•   Twitter: @Ogkeithsweat