Paul Shaffer

Biography

Paul Shaffer is a Canadian musician and comedian born on November 28, 1949. He served as David Letterman's musical director, bandleader, and sidekick for over three decades, leading the iconic house band from 1982 to 2015. A classically trained pianist, Shaffer got his start performing with jazz guitarist Tisziji Muñoz in Toronto's jazz scene. His early influences, including Nat King Cole and show tunes, shaped his eclectic musical style.