Keith Sweat Biography: Children, Parents, Siblings, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Ethnicity, Awards, Songs, Books

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Keith Sweat is a renowned American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer, widely celebrated as a pioneer of the new jack swing era.

Born on July 22, 1961, Sweat first rose to prominence with his debut album, Make It Last Forever, in 1987. This album went triple platinum, driven by the hit single “I Want Her.”

This song marked his emergence as a significant force in contemporary R&B.

Since then, he has enjoyed a career that spans over three decades, defined by smooth ballads and collaborations with influential artists and groups.

Beyond his musical success, Sweat is known for hosting The Sweat Hotel, a popular syndicated radio show.

Profile

•   Full name: Keith Douglas Sweat
•   Date of birth: July 22, 1961
•   Age: 63 years old
•   Gender: Male
•   Place of birth: Harlem, New York City, United States
•   Nationality: American
•   Profession: Singer, songwriter, record producer, radio host
•   Height: 5 feet 8 inches
•   Parents: Charles Sweat (father), Juanita Sweat (mother)
•   Siblings: Four siblings
•   Spouse: Previously married to Lisa Wu-Hartwell (1992–2002)
•   Children: Jordan Sweat, Justin Sweat, Joshua Sweat, Keyshia Sweat, Keia Sweat
•   Relationship status: Single
•   Religion: Christian
•   Ethnicity: African American
•   Net worth: Estimated $250,000

Early Life and Education

Keith Douglas Sweat, now 63 years old, was born and raised in Harlem, New York. His upbringing in this vibrant and challenging environment would play a significant role in shaping his music. He was born to Charles Sweat, a factory worker, and Juanita Sweat, a hairdresser who later worked as a brokerage clerk.

Sadly, Keith’s father passed away when Keith was only twelve, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings. The young Sweat showed an aptitude for performance from an early age, performing at New York nightclubs by age 14.

He pursued higher education at the City College of New York, earning a Bachelor of Science in communications. Before committing to music, Sweat worked as a brokerage assistant on Wall Street. Despite the stability of this career, his heart was set on pursuing music, a decision that would soon launch him into fame.

Personal Life

Keith Sweat married Lisa Wu-Hartwell, a reality TV star 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 gaining full custody of the boys.

Sweat also has three daughters, one of whom, Keyshia, was from his relationship with Tracy J. Another son, Joshua, comes from a different relationship. Keith remains single and has focused much of his personal life on his family and professional commitments.

Career

Sweat’s career began in the mid-1970s with the Harlem band Jamilah, where he honed his craft as a lead vocalist. By 1984, he embarked on a solo career, performing in New York nightclubs and securing a recording opportunity with Entertainment Records.

His breakthrough came in 1987 with Make It Last Forever, which featured hits like “I Want Her.” The album’s massive success solidified his place in the new jack swing movement.

Sweat continued to produce hits in the following years, with albums like I’ll Give All My Love to You (1990) and Keep It Comin’ (1991). In 1996, his self-titled album brought him more success with singles such as “Twisted” and “Nobody.”

He also co-founded the R&B supergroup LSG alongside Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill, releasing a platinum-certified debut album. By the 2000s, though his commercial success began to wane, Sweat remained relevant, hosting The Sweat Hotel, a radio show dedicated to R&B music and intimate conversation with listeners.

Awards

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

Net Worth

Keith Sweat’s net worth is estimated at $250,000. While this amount may seem modest given his decades-long career, it reflects the financial ups and downs of the music industry. His income primarily comes from album sales, touring, and his radio show, The Sweat Hotel.

Controversy

Keith Sweat’s career has seen its share of controversies, often surrounding his relationships and financial matters. His marriage and subsequent divorce from Lisa Wu-Hartwell drew public attention, mainly due to the custody battle over their children.

The judge awarded Sweat full custody, which spurred speculation and scrutiny, especially given Lisa Wu’s later appearance on reality television. Sweat’s relationships have also faced rumors, some claiming infidelity, although these have often lacked substantial proof.

Financial troubles have marked parts of Sweat’s career. In 2012, reports surfaced of a foreclosed home in Detroit due to unpaid loans. His financial struggles appeared ironic, given his previous lavish lifestyle portrayed in the media.

Additionally, Sweat has faced legal disputes over unpaid performance fees and allegations of not fulfilling contractual obligations, tarnishing his reputation. Despite these setbacks, he has retained a loyal fanbase and continued working within the entertainment industry.

Rumors about Sweat’s collaborations have also circulated. For example, industry insiders alleged that Sweat’s strict work ethic strained collaboration with some collaborators. However, many of these claims remain largely speculative.

Furthermore, Sweat’s connections with other artists, such as accusations of uncredited songwriting, have occasionally sparked debate in the R&B community. Keith Sweat has continuously handled these controversies by focusing on his career and family obligations.

Social Media

•   Instagram: @keithsweat
•   Twitter: @Ogkeithsweat

Filmography

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

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)

Books

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

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