Keith Sweat, born on July 22, 1961, in Harlem, New York City, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer renowned for his pivotal role in the development of the new jack swing genre during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is celebrated for hits like “I Want Her,” “Make It Last Forever,” “Twisted,” and “Nobody.”   Early Life and Career Beginnings Sweat was raised in Harlem by his mother, Juanita Thompson, after the death of his father, Charles Crier, in 1973. He began performing at the Apollo Theater at age 14 and joined the band Jamilah in 1975, performing throughout the New York tri-state area. Before fully committing to music, he earned a communications degree from the City College of New York and worked on Wall Street as a brokerage assistant.  Breakthrough and Musical Success In 1987, Sweat released his debut solo album, Make It Last Forever, featuring the hit single “I Want Her.” The album sold over three million copies and helped define the new jack swing sound, blending R&B with hip-hop rhythms. He continued his success with albums like I’ll Give All My Love to You (1990), Keep It Comin’ (1991), and Keith Sweat (1996), which included hits such as “Twisted” and “Nobody.”   Collaborations and Influence Sweat played a significant role in discovering and producing for R&B groups Silk and Kut Klose. He also formed the supergroup LSG with Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill, releasing a platinum-selling album in 1997.  Later Career and Legacy Beyond his music career, Sweat has hosted the nationally syndicated radio show The Sweat Hotel since 2007. He continues to perform and tour, maintaining his status as an influential figure in R&B music. Keith Sweat’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the R&B genre, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer of new jack swing and a prominent voice in contemporary music.