David Foster on Steven Tyler: 'Most Congenial, Giving, Thoughtful Guy'
When we think of music, it's makes perfect sense to think of David Foster: the iconic Canadian musician, songwriter, composer, arranger and recording artist. A GRAMMY event wouldn't be the same without him, and he was there to support his friend Steven Tyler, another music icon, on Sunday, Feb. 10.
When Steven calls, his friends listen and they come out to help him continue to fulfill his philanthropic mission, Janie's Fund. The goal is to provide hope and healing for many of our country’s most vulnerable girls who have survived the trauma of abuse and neglect.
When you're super-successful, you don't necessarily have to do anything with that for someone else. But Steven has a huge heart—along with huge talent—and he raised another $2.8 million for Janie's Fund from 500 enthusiastic friends and supporters on GRAMMY night. Along the way, he brought Aerosmith together for an exclusive performance at the event.
David, 69, is no stranger to raising money for causes that need it, with his own David Foster Foundation and his past and present support of more than 400 charities. He believes that doing good for others is "not just a responsibility, it's a must." He's engaged to singer and actress Katharine McPhee, 34.
Janie's Fund Facts
This event meant Steven could add to previous funds raised of $5 million. He's on a roll, and determined not to stop there. Sunday night's soiree at Raleigh Studios Hollywood, emceed by Jane Lynch and presented by Live Nation, had luck on its side, as the rain poured just before esteemed guests arrived. Those included Sharon Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julianne Hough, Kelsey Grammer, Mark Wahlberg, Alice Cooper, Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross, Nicole Scherzinger and Rumer Willis.
The interior of the studio was transformed à la Steven Tyler, and described as "a rock ‘n roll living room complete with medieval wrought iron chandeliers with Edison drop lights, plush lounges, and bookshelves filled with personal photos. Surrounding the room were never-before-released vintage photos of Tyler on whitewashed wooden planks."
Guests watched the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, while they enjoyed their own entertainment and scrumptious cuisine, then bid it high during a live auction that included a Janie's Fund customized 2018 Honda Fury signed by Steven, and a guitar Joe Perry played during Aerosmith's performance that night.
The iconic band played "Janie's Got a Gun," apropos since the song's theme is about a young girl abused by her father. Steven's website explains that he's "long had a desire to help with this issue, leading back to the 1980s when he was in a program for his personal recovery." He works with the organization Youth Villages, since it's already doing this work and getting great results—much more efficient than starting an initiative from square one.
Talk about giving back: In 2016, the United Nations lauded him with a Humanitarian Award. Steven works to protect the rights of established and emerging songwriters as a member of the GRAMMY Creators’ Alliance, and has felt it was so important to talk about and work on behalf of awareness around addiction issues and recovery solutions.
Mind Your Body with Stephanie Stephens features celebrities and high achievers age 45+ who share their latest projects, healthy living secrets and more. Thanks to Jerry Digby for creative direction and video and to Getty Images.