Primary Wave Acquires Songwriter Keith Forsey’s Writer’s Share

Photo Credit: Primary Wave Music

Primary Wave Music has announced it has acquired songwriter and musician Keith Forsey’s writer’s and producer shares. Here’s the latest.Terms of the deal will include Forsey’s writing and production on some of the biggest songs across music and film such as “What A Feeling,” “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” “Hot Stuff,” “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” and more. Also included in the deal are songs he wrote for a number of films including ‘Flashdance,’ ‘The Breakfast Club,’ ‘Ghostbusters,’ ‘The NeverEnding Story,’ ‘Beverly Hills Cop,’ and others.

“Flashdance…What a Feeling” was co-written by Forsey in 1983 for the film ‘Flashdance.’ Sung and co-written by Irene Cara, the track became a smash hit and spent six weeks at the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with an incredible run of 14 weeks in the Top 10. It was the longest running top 10 charting single of 1983. The song went on to sell more than a million copies and won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for “Best Original Song.”

In 2023, the song was chosen by the Library of Congress for inclusion in the National Recording Registry. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” is also included in the deal. The song was co-written by Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff and was inspired by and featured in the 1985 cult classic film, ‘The Breakfast Club.’ The song shot up the charts to #1 and quickly became an anthem of the 80s as Scottish rock band Simple Minds’ biggest hit.

Forsey also had another number one with Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” which released in 1975. The song won a Grammy Award for “Best Female Rock Vocal Performance” and was later included on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

“It gives me a good feeling to work with a company like Primary Wave, where I know they will respect and take care of the music that I had the good fortune to be able to create with many talented people throughout my career,” Keith Forsey says about the deal.“Keith Forsey’s career as a songwriter, producer, and musician is nothing less than iconic. We are honored and thrilled to be a part of this amazing body of work,” adds Primary Wave Music’s Robin Godfrey Cass.

Keith Forsey is a renowned musician, songwriter, and producer whose influence has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Born in London, England, Forsey’s journey into the world of music began at an early age. He displayed a natural aptitude for rhythm and melody, honing his skills on the drums and percussion instruments.

In the late 1960s, Forsey’s passion for music led him to pursue a career as a professional drummer. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent. During this time, he collaborated with various artists and bands, one of them being The Spectrum, founded by his brother Colin.

Forsey’s career took a significant turn in the 70s when he relocated to Germany. There he found himself immersed in the dynamic music culture of the era, working with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Giorgio Moroder and Harold Faltermeyer. His versatility as a musician allowed him to seamlessly transition between different genres, from rock and pop to disco and new wave. During this time he co-wrote “Hot Stuff” with Moroder and Faltermeyer for Donna Summer.In 1983, Forsey collaborated with Faltermeyer again on the soundtrack for the film ‘Flashdance.’ He also formed a fruitful partnership with Billy Idol and went on to produce Idol’s next two albums that included hits such as “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” and “Eyes Without a Face.” Those tracks helped catapult Idol to international fame, while cementing Forsey’s reputation as a top-tier producer.