Paul Shaffer

Video

Oral History Information

Interview Date
Job Title
Musician, Keyboardist

Paul Shaffer served as the band leader and musical director for David Letterman's late-night television program from 1982 until David retired in 2015.  Along the way, hundreds of noted musicians sat in with the program's house band allowing Paul to play alongside many of his friends and heroes.  One special occasion was playing with Jimmy Smith, the great B-3 player whom Paul was influenced by as a child.  Paul has also appeared in the movies and was regular on Saturday Night Live, where he first met Harry Shearer.  Harry and Paul were interviewed together during Summer NAMM 2017 in Nashville.