Behind the Music of Broadway's 'Boop!': David Foster's Greatest Hits

David Foster is making his Broadway debut as the music writer for BOOP! The Musical, now playing on Broadway. While this is Foster's first musical, he is a prolific composer and prodcers, with countless song credits to his name.

Foster has received 16 Grammy Awards and 47 nominations, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and three Oscar nominations. 

Before you check out his work in Boop!, we're taking a look back on some of the other iconic songs that Foster has written, produced, and arranged, that you may not know about.

"I Have Nothing" - Whitney Houston 

“I Have Nothing” is a Grammy-nominated power ballad performed by Whitney Houston, released in 1993 as the third single from The Bodyguard soundtrack, which became one of the best-selling albums of all time with over 45 million copies sold worldwide. Written by Foster and Linda Thompson, the song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified platinum by the RIAA. Known for its soaring vocals and emotional depth, the track became a signature number for Houston and is frequently performed on singing competition shows around the world.

"The Prayer" - Celine Dion

“The Prayer” is a bilingual (English and Italian) duet originally recorded by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli in 1998 for the animated film Quest for Camelot. With lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, Alberto Testa, and Tony Renis, the song won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song and was nominated for both an Academy Award and a Grammy. Though it only peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart at the time, the song has since become a crossover classic, covered by dozens of artists and frequently performed at concerts, weddings, and televised events for its powerful blend of operatic and pop influences.

"I Will Always Love You" - Whitney Houston

Foster served as the arranger for this song, which won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1994. Houston’s rendition was released in 1992 as the lead single from The Bodyguard soundtrack and became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide. Originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973, Houston’s powerhouse version spent a record-breaking 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won two Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. The iconic a cappella intro, emotional delivery, and soaring vocal climax helped cement the song as a pop culture and vocal benchmark.

"Grown-Up Christmas List" - Natalie Cole

“Grown-Up Christmas List” was originally written by David Foster and Linda Thompson and first recorded by Foster with Natalie Cole in 1990. The most well-known version was released by Amy Grant in 1992, followed by popular covers by Kelly Clarkson, Michael Bublé, and others. The song trades typical holiday wishes for a heartfelt plea for peace, healing, and hope — resonating as a modern Christmas standard that frequently appears on holiday charts and playlists.

"After the Love Has Gone" - Earth, Wind & Fire

Foster won his first Grammy Award for this song in 1980, for Best Rhythm & Blues Song. The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is known for its smooth blend of soul, pop, and jazz-influenced harmonies, the track became one of the group's most enduring hits and a staple of late ’70s R&B radio.

"One More Chance" - Madonna

“One More Chance” is a ballad by Madonna, released in 1996 as part of her Something to Remember compilation album, which showcased her more introspective and romantic tracks. Written by Madonna and Foster, the song marked a stylistic shift with its acoustic arrangement and vulnerable lyrics, focusing on a plea for reconciliation. While it wasn’t released as a single in the U.S., it charted in several countries, reaching the Top 20 in the UK and Australia. Though less commercially dominant than her dance hits, it remains a fan favorite for its stripped-down sincerity.

"You're The Inspiration" - Chicago

“You’re the Inspiration” is a power ballad by Chicago, released in 1984 on their album Chicago 17. Written by Foster and Peter Cetera, the song became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart. Known for its soaring melody, romantic lyrics, and Cetera’s distinctive vocals, the track became a wedding and soft rock staple, helping to cement Chicago’s success in their 1980s ballad era. A re-recorded version featuring Az Yet was released in 1997 and also charted.

"Glory of Love" - Peter Cetera

“Glory of Love” is a romantic power ballad by Peter Cetera, released in 1986 as the lead single from both his debut solo album Solitude/Solitaire and the soundtrack to The Karate Kid Part II. Co-written by Cetera, David Foster, and Diane Nini, the song became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning nominations for both an Academy Award and a Grammy. Known for its heartfelt lyrics and cinematic build, “Glory of Love” became an iconic '80s anthem and remains one of Cetera’s signature songs.

"Can't Buy Me Love" - Michael Buble

Foster served as arranger for this song, and producer for Buble's album "It's Time." The album and song were both nominated for a Grammy Award.

"Because You Loved Me" - Celine Dion

Foster produced this song, as well as Dion's album "Falling Into You", which won a Grammy Award in 1997. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks. 

St. Elmo's Fire

Foster also wrote several songs for the soundtrack to this iconic '80s film. Several songs were nominated for Grammy Awards, including "Love Theme" and "Through the Fire."

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