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Paul Shaffer

Paul Allen Wood Shaffer (born November 28, 1949) is a Canadian , , , and renowned for his multifaceted career in entertainment, particularly as the musical director, bandleader, and on-screen sidekick for David Letterman's late-night talk shows from 1982 to 2015. Over three decades, Shaffer led The World's Most Dangerous Band, providing musical accompaniment, comic interludes, and celebrity introductions that became hallmarks of Letterman's programs on NBC's and CBS's . His versatile keyboard playing and quick-witted persona also earned him earlier prominence as a and performer on from 1975 to 1980, where he contributed to iconic sketches and musical segments. Born in (now ), to attorney Bernard Shaffer and his wife Shirley, Shaffer grew up in a Jewish family with a strong appreciation for , sparked by his father's record collection and family vacations to showrooms. As a teenager, he played keyboards in local bands like The Fugitives and studied classical piano, competing in youth events before shifting toward rock and pop influences. Shaffer attended the , earning a degree in while performing in bar and bands, which honed his improvisational skills. His professional breakthrough came in 1972 as musical director for the Toronto production of the rock musical , leading to a move to in 1974 and his recruitment to Saturday Night Live's the following year. Shaffer's compositional talents shone through in hits like "It's Raining Men," co-written with in 1979 and popularized by in 1982, reaching number one on the chart and earning a Grammy nomination. He also served as musical director for ' debut album and tours in the late 1970s, blending R&B, soul, and rock elements. Beyond television, Shaffer has appeared in films such as (1984), (1988), and voiced Hermes in Disney's (1997), while guest-starring on series like and . His solo albums include Coast to Coast (1989) and The World's Most Dangerous Party (1993), and in 2017, he released a live recording with his Letterman band. Shaffer's accolades include a 2002 Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance, four Emmy nominations, the in 2008, and a star on . Now based in with his wife and two children, he continues performing and producing.

Early life

Childhood and family

Paul Shaffer was born on November 28, 1949, in , Canada (now part of ), to Jewish parents Bernard Shaffer, a lawyer and enthusiast, and Shirley Shaffer, a homemaker who volunteered with local charities. Shaffer was raised as an in the family's home on Selkirk Street in , where his upbringing was steeped in music from an early age. His father's passion for jazz vocalists and his mother's affinity for show tunes provided Shaffer's initial musical influences, while the local Jewish community's Orthodox synagogue—Thunder Bay's only one—exposed him to cultural events including his bar mitzvah. At around age five or six, Shaffer's parents introduced him to the piano through formal lessons, though he often eschewed practice to teach himself rock and roll tunes by ear on the family instrument. During his adolescence, Shaffer moved to to attend university, marking the beginning of his deeper immersion in formal musical pursuits.

Education and musical beginnings

Shaffer attended the , where he majored in sociology and earned a degree in 1971 after three years of study. During his university years, he balanced academics with growing musical pursuits, taking a summer course in arranging that honed his skills in . His formal musical training began early with piano lessons starting at age five or six under a local teacher in , where he quickly developed an ear for music despite initial challenges with . As a teenager, he earned a certificate from in , reflecting his budding proficiency on keyboards. In high school, he formed and played in a rock band called The Fugitives, performing their first gig as a four-hour dance set at , which fueled his passion for live performance. Shaffer's early musical influences spanned genres, including jazz pianists like , R&B icon , and Broadway show tunes from productions, which his family often played at home. These inspirations drew him into Toronto's vibrant scene after graduation, where he began gigging on keyboards in clubs and bars around Yorkville Avenue and , including free jazz sets in restaurants with guitarist Tisziji Muñoz and paid jobs at weddings, cocktail lounges, and even topless bars, earning around $150 to $200 weekly. His first paid musical work involved accompanying various performers, blending standards, contemporary hits, and improvisational jazz elements that shaped his versatile style.

Career

Early theater and television (1970s)

Shaffer's entry into professional entertainment began in 1972 when he served as musical director and arranger for the Toronto production of the musical at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. This role came about after he accompanied actress Avril Chown on piano for her audition, leading composer to hire him on the spot; the production featured a notable cast including as , a young , and future comedy stars like , , and . The show's innovative, improvisational style and hippie-era vibe not only launched Shaffer's career but also fostered connections among Toronto's emerging talent pool that would influence North American comedy for decades. In 1974, Shaffer relocated to , where he quickly established himself in circles as a and arranger. His debut Broadway credit came that year in the magic-themed musical The Magic Show, starring illusionist , for which Shaffer performed on keyboards throughout its run from May 1974 to December 1978 at the Cort Theatre. This position allowed him to hone his skills in live orchestration and accompaniment, blending rock influences with theatrical demands in a production that emphasized spectacle and audience interaction. Shaffer's move marked a pivotal shift from regional theater to the competitive heart of American entertainment, building on his university-honed musical foundations. By the mid-1970s, Shaffer expanded into television, contributing as a and for various projects while freelancing in . His breakthrough in national TV arrived in 1975 when Saturday Night Live producer , a fellow Canadian, hired him as a utility and keyboardist for the show's , a role that also involved composing original musical cues and transitions. This position placed Shaffer at the epicenter of live , where he provided versatile support for the program's eclectic musical needs during its inaugural season.

Saturday Night Live era

Paul Shaffer joined the house band of (SNL) in 1975 as a , serving under musical director , whom he had previously worked with in theater productions. Recruited by Shore as his right-hand man due to their shared connections in the New York music scene, Shaffer contributed to the show's live musical elements across its early seasons. His visibility on camera, enhanced by his distinctive Elton John-inspired glasses, made him a recognizable presence during broadcasts, and he participated in over 100 episodes from 1975 to 1980. In addition to his musical duties, Shaffer arranged themes and provided piano accompaniment for various sketches, collaborating with writers to integrate music into the comedy. He performed with high-profile guests, including during the November 20, 1976, episode hosted by , where the band backed Harrison's performances of "" and a duet of "Homeward Bound" with Simon. Shaffer's role extended to on-screen appearances, particularly after becoming a featured player in season 5 (1979–1980), where he portrayed characters in sketches such as the geeky drummer Artie in "" and participated in "The Minstrels of Newcastle." Shaffer also showcased his comedic talents through impressions of musicians and industry figures, most notably in seven appearances starting in 1977, as well as , , and . These bits often highlighted his satirical take on the music business, with the Kirshner impression originating from his eagerness to engage beyond the band pit. His multifaceted involvement helped blend music and humor, including providing keyboard support for emerging acts like during their 1978 SNL debut and tour. Shaffer departed SNL at the end of the 1979–1980 season alongside producer and much of the original cast, seeking new opportunities in television and session work.

Collaboration with David Letterman

In 1982, Paul Shaffer was recruited by to serve as the musical director and bandleader for the newly launched on , drawing on his prior experience as a musician on . Shaffer assembled and led a group initially known as the World's Most Dangerous Band, which provided live musical accompaniment, stings, and transitions throughout the show's unconventional format. This marked the beginning of a 33-year professional partnership that became a hallmark of Letterman's late-night style. Shaffer's responsibilities extended far beyond conducting the band; he composed the show's iconic , delivered comedic banter with Letterman during monologues and segments, and often introduced musical and guests with his signature humorous flair. The band's tight, improvisational performances—rooted in rock, soul, and jazz influences—added energy to the program, allowing Shaffer to react spontaneously to Letterman's cues and enhance the show's irreverent tone. His role as evolved into a seamless on-air chemistry, making him an indispensable foil to Letterman's delivery. When Letterman moved to CBS in 1993 to host , Shaffer and the band transitioned alongside him, adapting to a larger studio and broadcast at 11:30 p.m. The ensemble was renamed the CBS Orchestra to reflect the network affiliation, though it retained its core personnel and versatile sound amid the heightened production scale. This shift extended their collaboration through over two decades on CBS, culminating in the final episode on May 20, 2015, where Shaffer led a poignant closing performance and shared an emotional handshake with Letterman, underscoring their enduring bond in tribute segments throughout the farewell broadcast.

Solo music and collaborations

Shaffer's solo career began with the release of his debut album, Coast to Coast, in 1989 on . The album blended rock, R&B, , , and pop elements, showcasing Shaffer's prowess alongside an all-star cast of guest artists including , , , Valerie Simpson, and . Recorded primarily in and New Orleans, it featured tracks like the title song and "What Is Soul," emphasizing Shaffer's versatile arrangements and live energy. In 1993, Shaffer followed with the The World's Most Dangerous Party, released on and billed under Paul Shaffer & The Party Boys of Rock 'n' Roll. This ambitious project captured the spirit of a raucous all-night , incorporating , , and pop with contributions from artists such as , , and members of his television band. Spanning 22 tracks, it highlighted Shaffer's curatorial skills in assembling diverse talents for covers and originals, including a rendition of The Band's "." Shaffer's third solo effort, the self-titled Paul Shaffer & The World's Most Dangerous Band in on , reunited his longtime Late Show ensemble after a 24-year hiatus. The album focused on soulful covers of classics like "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" and "Why Can't We Live Together," featuring guest vocalists including , , and . Produced by Shaffer, it underscored his enduring affinity for collaborative, genre-spanning music rooted in R&B and pop traditions. Beyond his own releases, Shaffer contributed keyboards to high-profile sessions, such as the 1984 single "," a supergroup project led by with and , where his work helped propel the track to No. 3 on the 100. He also played the iconic synthesizer solo on Scandal's 1982 hit "Goodbye to You," emulating a 1960s sound on his to evoke Del Shannon's "." For Diana Ross's 1982 album , Shaffer arranged the rhythm section on the cover of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," adding his signature keyboard texture to the Motown-inspired track. Shaffer's production and arrangement credits extended to television-affiliated projects, including musical direction and contributions to Radner's 1979 SNL-derived album Live from New York, where he co-wrote and performed on comedic songs like "Honey." He also produced tracks on the 1998 Blues Brothers 2000 soundtrack, such as Blues Traveler's "Maybe I'm Wrong," blending blues and rock in support of the film's ensemble cast. These efforts exemplified his role as a connective force in music, frequently drawing on all-star lineups to fuse rock, R&B, and pop.

Film, television, and media appearances

Shaffer's film appearances include a memorable supporting role as the bumbling record promoter Artie Fufkin in the (1984), where he interacts awkwardly with the fictional band during a disastrous in-store promotion. He also appeared in (1998), playing the keyboardist Marco alongside and in the revamped Band. In , Shaffer provided the lively voice of Hermes, the messenger god and to , in Disney's animated feature Hercules (1997), infusing the character with his signature energetic humor and musical flair. He reprised the role in the subsequent animated television series Hercules (1998–1999). On television, Shaffer made recurring guest appearances on (SCTV) during the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to musical sketches and segments alongside cast members like and . He guest-starred as himself in the The Simpsons episode "The Bart Wants What It Wants" (2002), appearing in a Toronto-set storyline that referenced his Canadian roots. In 2018, Shaffer had a cameo in the holiday special "Merry Christmas, ," where he played piano during a flashback sequence featuring the Rose family's opulent past celebrations. Since 2019, he has hosted Paul Shaffer Plus One on , a monthly music talk series in which he interviews fellow artists and performs impromptu jams. Beyond screen work, Shaffer has hosted radio segments on CBC, including co-hosting the 1985 special U-Knows '85 with Carole Pope, featuring live performances and discussions with Canadian musicians.

Recent projects and activities

Following the end of The Late Show with David Letterman in 2015, Shaffer embarked on a tour with members of the World's Most Dangerous Band, formerly known as the CBS Orchestra, performing live shows that highlighted their collaborative repertoire. In 2016 and 2017, he made several radio appearances on SiriusXM, including co-hosting an episode of Apron Strings on Outlaw Country with David Letterman and Elizabeth Cook in May 2017, and discussing his post-Letterman career on the platform. Shaffer launched Paul Shaffer Plus One in 2019, a monthly series on and where he interviews music icons such as , , and about their inspirations and careers, often featuring impromptu performances; the series continues to air new episodes. In February 2025, Shaffer reunited with the World's Most Dangerous Band to substitute for as the house band on Starring for one week, providing musical backing amid the Roots' preparations for 's 50th anniversary special. On April 15, 2025, he performed at the "Musicians United for " fundraising concert at The Concert Hall at SUNY Purchase, alongside artists including , Rob Thomas, and , to support United . In September 2025, Shaffer participated in an interview reflecting on the legacy of the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell, where he served as musical director, discussing its influence on comedy and music with co-star Victor Garber. That same month, on September 12, 2025, production was announced for the feature documentary Say Hello to Our Good Friend Paul Shaffer, directed by David Steinberg and focusing on Shaffer's career as a musician and bandleader. At the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, Shaffer commented on the announced cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, describing it as "absolutely shocking" while praising Colbert's tenure. On October 1, 2025, Shaffer appeared on The Jet Fuel Podcast, sharing anecdotes from his career highlights and personal experiences in entertainment. On November 11, 2025, following the death of Jimmy Kimmel Live! bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, Shaffer issued a public tribute, remembering Escobedo as a "soulful" and noting their long-standing friendship in the late-night music community.

Charity work

Paul Shaffer has been the national spokesperson for since 2002, advocating for awareness and support for those affected by the condition. In 2012, Shaffer participated in the 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief at , where he accompanied performer on a comedic rendition of "," contributing to efforts that raised over $50 million for victims. Shaffer has supported music education initiatives, including performances and honors at benefit concerts for Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit that provides free music instruction in underfunded public schools. In April , Shaffer led an all-star fundraising concert at The Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase to benefit United , honoring music Wayne Warnecke and featuring artists such as , , and the . Shaffer has contributed to the Canadian Walk of Fame by hosting its 2012 awards ceremony, which celebrated Canadian achievements in entertainment and raised funds for youth arts programs. He has also volunteered his talents for various Jewish community initiatives, including fundraisers influenced by his family's tradition of supporting organizations like the .

Memoir

In 2009, Paul Shaffer co-authored his memoir We'll Be Here for the Rest of Our Lives: A Swingin' Show-Biz Saga with , published by Doubleday. The book chronicles Shaffer's journey through the world, blending personal anecdotes with professional insights drawn from his decades in music and television. Key highlights include vivid stories from his time as musical director on , where he navigated chaotic live performances and celebrity cameos, as well as his close collaboration with on , capturing the improvisational energy of those shows. Shaffer also reflects on the music industry, sharing encounters with icons and lessons from mentors such as blues harmonica player , who influenced his early keyboard style and appreciation for . The became a New York Times bestseller and received praise for its humorous tone and revealing insider tales. Critics highlighted Shaffer's engaging storytelling, with Peter Keepnews in The New York Times Book Review noting its focus on music and as a "disjointed but very entertaining" narrative. An version, narrated by Shaffer himself, was released concurrently, allowing listeners to experience his distinctive voice and timing. As of 2025, Shaffer has not published any subsequent memoirs.

Awards and honors

Governmental and national recognitions

In recognition of his extensive contributions to music and television, Paul Shaffer was appointed a Member of the (CM) on October 25, 2007, and formally invested on December 12, 2008. This prestigious national honor, the country's highest civilian award, acknowledged Shaffer's role as an internationally renowned musician and bandleader who has showcased Canadian talent globally for over 25 years, particularly through his work as musical director for . Shaffer has received two honorary doctorate degrees: a Doctor of Fine Arts from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in 1988, and another from Five Towns College in Dix Hills, New York, in 1993. Shaffer was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame on June 3, 2006, in Toronto, Ontario, celebrating his achievements in the arts and entertainment category. The induction highlighted his status as a versatile musician, composer, and television personality, with a star placed along the Walk of Fame to honor his enduring impact on Canadian culture.

Industry awards and inductions

Shaffer received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations in the category of Outstanding Music Direction for his contributions as musical director on David Letterman's late-night programs and related specials. These nominations spanned from 1989 for Late Night with David Letterman's 7th Anniversary Special to 2016 for the Netflix holiday special A Very Murray Christmas. Although he did not secure a win in this category, his work on The Late Show with David Letterman contributed to the program's overall success, including multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series shared among the production team. In the music industry, Shaffer earned a Grammy Award in 2002 for Best Country Instrumental Performance for his keyboard work on "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" from the album Earl Scruggs and Friends. He also received a 1995 ASCAP Award in the Most Performed Themes category for his compositions and arrangements on The Late Show with David Letterman. In 2021, the song "It's Raining Men," co-written by Shaffer with , was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Shaffer was inducted into the National Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2002, recognized for his efforts in promoting Black artists and opening opportunities in the entertainment industry during his tenure as musical director on and Letterman's shows.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Paul Shaffer married Cathy Vasapoli, a former talent booker for Good Morning America, on August 19, 1990. The couple has two children: daughter Victoria Lily Shaffer, born in 1993, and son William Wood Lee Shaffer, born in 1999. Throughout his high-profile career, particularly as musical director for , Shaffer has emphasized how the role enabled him to balance professional demands with a stable family life, allowing regular time with his wife and children despite late-night schedules. Vasapoli has provided steadfast support during Shaffer's career shifts, including his transitions between television projects and solo endeavors. The Shaffers' family has been shaped by creative influences, with daughter pursuing a path in as a and artist, contributing to events like the and , as well as producing content on animal rescue.

Residences and lifestyle

Paul Shaffer maintains an apartment on Manhattan's West Side in , which he has owned for many years, and a beachfront home in , purchased in 2024. He previously resided in a gated Colonial-style home in Bedford, New York, which he and his wife sold in 2024 after owning it since 1991. Shaffer is an avid collector of music memorabilia, with his living spaces featuring items such as signed records and plaques from notable artists and events. He holds a deep interest in jazz, demonstrated through his performances on programs like NPR's Piano Jazz and his early musical influences rooted in the genre. Shaffer is a Canadian citizen, born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and has resided primarily in the United States since 1974. Following the end of The Late Show with David Letterman in 2015, Shaffer has prioritized time with his family during his days off, while pursuing selective musical projects such as album releases and tours with The World's Most Dangerous Band.

Discography

Solo albums

Paul Shaffer released his debut solo album, Coast to Coast, on August 15, 1989, through . The album blends , and funk elements, featuring Shaffer's keyboard work alongside covers and originals, with production handled by Shaffer himself alongside Larry Smith and on select tracks. Notable tracks include the upbeat opener "When the Radio Is On," a to radio's influence, and the soulful "Wang Dang Doodle," which showcases Shaffer's ensemble's rhythmic drive. The album earned Shaffer a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for the track "Late Night". Shaffer's second solo effort, The World's Most Dangerous Party, arrived on July 13, 1993, via as a . Produced by , it consists largely of high-energy covers of rock, , and classics performed by Shaffer and a rotating cast of session musicians dubbed the Party Boys of Rock 'n' Roll. Standout selections include the James Brown-inspired "" and a lively rendition of ' "," emphasizing Shaffer's party-oriented ethos and live-performance vibe recorded at in . The project reflects Shaffer's collaborative spirit from his days, prioritizing fun reinterpretations over original material. After a lengthy hiatus focused on television, Shaffer returned with Paul Shaffer & The World's Most Dangerous Band on March 17, 2017, released by . Self-produced by Shaffer with , the blues-rock album revives his longtime band from the Letterman era, incorporating covers and originals with guest vocalists like on "Happy Street," on "Why Can't We Live Together," and on "Sorrow." Key tracks such as the instrumental "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" (featuring ) and the cover "Sorrow" underscore the album's rootsy, ensemble-driven sound, marking a celebratory post-Letterman chapter.

Notable collaborations and contributions

Shaffer provided keyboards on Cyndi Lauper's debut album She's So Unusual (1983), including the ballad "Time After Time," which became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984. His piano and organ work added emotional depth to the track's arrangement, produced by Rick Chertoff. In 1984, Shaffer contributed piano to all five tracks on The Honeydrippers: Volume One, a mini-album by the short-lived supergroup led by Robert Plant and featuring guitarists Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. The EP, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, revived 1950s and 1960s rock and roll covers, with Shaffer's keys supporting Plant's vocals on songs like "Sea of Love" and "Rockin' at the Hop." For the 1998 film Blues Brothers 2000, Shaffer co-produced tracks such as Blues Traveler's "Maybe I'm Wrong" and performed piano on "Funky Nassau," a collaboration featuring , , , and the Blues Brothers Band. His involvement extended the Blues Brothers franchise's musical legacy, blending , , and in the soundtrack that reached No. 63 on the 200. In the 1970s, Shaffer served as musical director and keyboardist for the Blues Brothers sketches on , contributing to their debut album (1978), which topped the and earned a triple-platinum certification. Later compilations, including the 1995 The Best of the Blues Brothers, highlighted his foundational role in the group's sound. In the 2020s, Shaffer has made minor musical inputs through guest spots on , such as performing snippets and discussing arrangements during his 2023 appearance on .

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