Keith Sweat is a famous American R&B singer, songwriter and record producer, known as the pioneer of the new Jack Swing era.
Sweat was born on July 22, 1961 and first rose to fame in 1987 with his debut album “Make It Last Forever”. The album went triple platinum, driven by the hit single “I Want Her.”
This song marked his emergence as a major force in contemporary R&B.
Since then, his career has spanned more than three decades, characterized by smooth ballads and collaborations with influential artists and groups.
In addition to his musical success, Sweet is also known for hosting the popular syndicated radio show Sweet’s Hotel.
contour
- Full name: Keith Douglas Sweet
- Date of birth: July 22, 1961
- Age: 63 years old
- Gender: Male
- Birthplace: United States, New York City, Harlem
- Nationality: United States
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter, record producer, radio host
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches
- Parents: Charles Sweet (father), Juanita Sweet (mother)
- Brothers and sisters: Four brothers and sisters
- Spouse: Previously married to Lisa Wu-Hartwell (1992–2002)
- Children: Jordan Sweat, Justin Sweat, Joshua Sweat, Keyshia Sweat, Keia Sweat
- Relationship status: Single
- Religion: Christianity
- Ethnicity: African American
- Net worth: Estimated $250,000
early life and education
Keith Douglas Sweat, 63, was born and raised in Harlem, New York. His upbringing in this dynamic and challenging environment played an important role in shaping his music. His father, Charles Sweat, was a factory worker, and his mother, Juanita Sweat, was a hairdresser and later a brokerage clerk.
Unfortunately, Keith’s father died when Keith was twelve years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings. Young Sweet showed a talent for acting at an early age and was performing in New York nightclubs at the age of 14.
He received his higher education at City College of New York, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studies. Before pursuing music, Sweet worked as a brokerage assistant on Wall Street. Although his career was stable, he pursued music single-mindedly, a decision that quickly made him famous.
personal life
Keith Sweat married reality TV star Lisa Wu-Hartwell, known for “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” in 1992. The couple had two sons, Jordan and Justin, but their marriage ended in divorce in 2002, with Keith receiving full custody of the children.
Sweet also has three daughters, one of whom is Keyshia, whom he had with Tracy J. Another son, Joshua, came from a different relationship. Keith is still single and much of his personal life is focused on family and professional commitments.
Profession
Sweat’s career began in the mid-1970s with the Harlem band Jamilah, where he honed his craft as lead singer. He began a solo career in 1984, performing in New York nightclubs and receiving recording opportunities with Entertainment Records.
His breakthrough came in 1987 with Make It Last Forever, which included hits such as “I Want Her.” The album’s huge success cemented his place in the New Jack Swing movement.
Sweat continued to produce hits over the next few years, releasing albums such as “I’ll Give All My Love to You” (1990) and “Keep It Comin'” (1991). In 1996, his self-titled album brought him greater success with singles such as “Twisted” and “Nobody.”
He also co-founded the R&B supergroup LSG with Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill, which released a platinum-certified debut album. By the 2000s, although Sweat’s commercial success began to wane, Sweat remained influential, hosting The Sweat Hotel radio show, which was dedicated to R&B music and intimate conversations with listeners.
Awards
- 1997: American Music Award for Favorite R&B/Soul Male Vocalist
- 2013: Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award
net worth
Keith Sweat’s net worth is estimated to be $250,000. While that number may not seem high considering his decades-long career, it reflects the financial ups and downs of the music industry. His income comes mainly from album sales, touring and his radio show “The Sweat Hotel”.
dispute
Keith Sweat’s career has been filled with controversy, often surrounding his relationships and financial issues. His marriage and subsequent divorce from Lisa Wu-Hartwell attracted public attention, primarily because of their custody battle over their children.
The judge granted Sweet full custody, sparking speculation and scrutiny, especially given Lisa Wu’s subsequent appearance on a reality TV show. Sweet’s romance has also faced rumors, with some claiming infidelity, although these rumors often lack substantial evidence.
Financial difficulties have been part of Sweet’s career. In 2012, reports emerged that a Detroit home was in foreclosure due to an unpaid loan. His financial woes are ironic given the media’s portrayal of his previously lavish lifestyle.
In addition, Sweet faced legal disputes over unpaid performance fees and accusations of not fulfilling contractual obligations, damaging his reputation. Despite these setbacks, he has retained a loyal fan base and continues to work in the entertainment industry.
Rumors about Sweat collaborations also continue to circulate. For example, industry insiders claim that Sweat’s strict work ethics led to tensions with some collaborators. However, many of these claims remain largely speculative.
In addition, Sweat’s relationships with other artists, such as accusations of uncredited songwriting, have occasionally sparked controversy in the R&B community. Keith Sweat has been handling these controversies by focusing on his career and family obligations.
social media
- Instagram: @keithsweat
- Twitter: @Ogkeithsweat
film chronology
- Blue Stripes(1999)
- New Jack City(1991)
discography
- Let It Last Forever (1987)
- I’ll give you all my love (1990)
- Keep going (1991)
- Get up (1994)
- Keith Sweet(1996)
- Still in the Game (1998)
- Didn’t See Me Coming (2000)
- Rebirth(2002)
- Only me(2008)
- Solo(2010)
books
- Make It Last Forever: Do’s and Don’ts
