Paul Shaffer Biography

Paul Allen Wood Shaffer, born on November 28, 1949, is a multifaceted Canadian singer, keyboardist, composer, actor, author, comedian, and musician. He is perhaps best known for his role as musical director, bandleader, and sidekick to David Letterman throughout the entire run of both Late Night with David Letterman (1982鈥1993) and Late Show with David Letterman (1993鈥2015), where he became a beloved television personality.

Shaffer began his career in the early 1970s after graduating from the University of Toronto. His entry into the entertainment world began as the musical director for the Toronto production of Godspell, a show that featured a soon-to-be iconic cast including Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, and Martin Short. This experience set the stage for Shaffer's future collaborations with notable comedians and actors, especially during his time with Saturday Night Live.

In 1974, Shaffer transitioned from Broadway to television, joining the band of Saturday Night Live, where he remained until 1980. During this time, he showcased his acting skills in sketches, notably portraying the pianist for Bill Murray鈥檚 recurring character Nick the Lounge Singer. He also worked closely with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd on the legendary Blues Brothers performances, further solidifying his status as a vital player in the comedy and music scene.

Shaffer's big break came in 1982 when he became the musical director and bandleader of the World鈥檚 Most Dangerous Band on Late Night with David Letterman. He not only led the band but also contributed significantly to the show's soundtrack, including composing its theme song. His album Coast to Coast was nominated for a Grammy in 1989. When the show moved to CBS in 1993, he rebranded the band as the CBS Orchestra and released another album, The World鈥檚 Most Dangerous Party.

Throughout his illustrious career, Paul Shaffer has served as musical director, producer, and writer for several high-profile projects, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He has collaborated with a wide array of legendary artists, including B.B. King, Diana Ross, and Cher. One of his notable songwriting achievements includes co-writing the hit "It鈥檚 Raining Men" with Paul Jabara, which became a worldwide success.

In 2009, Shaffer released his memoir, We鈥檒l Be Here for the Rest of Our Lives: A Swingin鈥 Show-biz Saga, capturing his vibrant experiences in the entertainment industry. After a remarkable tenure with Letterman, he exited the Late Show in 2015 alongside the host at the end of its run. More recently, he reunited with his band to release Paul Shaffer & the World鈥檚 Most Dangerous Band, followed by an extensive tour of performances that included an appearance on Late Show with Stephen Colbert, showcasing his lasting impact on the musical and comedic landscape.