Paul Shaffer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Shaffer
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Shaffer in 2000
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| Born |
Paul Allen Wood Shaffer
November 28, 1949 |
| Occupation | Bandleader, musician, composer, actor, author, comedian |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Cathy Vasapoli
(m. 1990) |
| Children | 2 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Rock, pop rock, jazz |
| Instruments | Vocals, keyboards |
Paul Allen Wood Shaffer (born November 28, 1949) is a talented Canadian musician, composer, and actor. He is best known for being the musical director and band leader for David Letterman's famous late-night TV shows for over 30 years. Paul Shaffer played a huge role in the music and fun of Late Night with David Letterman (1982–1993) and Late Show with David Letterman (1993–2015).
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Paul Shaffer was born in 1949 in Toronto, Canada. He grew up in Fort William, which is now part of Thunder Bay, Ontario. His dad loved jazz music, and his mom enjoyed show tunes. When Paul was 12, his parents took him to Las Vegas. Seeing shows there, like Nat King Cole, made him want to become a performer.
As a child, Paul took piano lessons. In his teenage years, he played the organ in a band called Fabulous Fugitives. Later, he performed with the Flash Landing Band. He studied at the University of Toronto and earned a degree in sociology in 1971. While there, he also played in jazz bands.
Paul Shaffer's Career Highlights
From Godspell to Saturday Night Live
Paul Shaffer started his music career in 1972. He became the musical director for the Toronto show of Godspell. Many famous actors like Martin Short and Eugene Levy were in this show. In 1974, he played piano for the Broadway show The Magic Show.
From 1975 to 1980, Paul was a member of the house band on NBC's Saturday Night Live (SNL). He played the piano and often appeared in funny sketches. He was the pianist for Bill Murray's Nick the Lounge Singer character. He also worked with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as the musical director for the Blues Brothers. Paul later appeared in the 1998 movie Blues Brothers 2000.
In 1977, Paul briefly left SNL to act in a TV show called A Year at the Top. He played a musician who moves to Hollywood. After the show ended, he returned to SNL. He even became a featured cast member in the 1979-80 season. This made him the first band member to also be part of the main cast.
Paul Shaffer, along with many others, left SNL in 1980. He later said he felt five years on the show was enough. In 2015, he returned for the SNL 40th-anniversary special. He played music for Bill Murray's lounge-singer character again.
Working with David Letterman
In 1982, Paul Shaffer began his long partnership with David Letterman. He was the musical director and band leader for Late Night with David Letterman on NBC. His band was called "The World's Most Dangerous Band". Paul also wrote the show's theme song.
When Letterman moved to CBS in 1993, Paul went with him. He became the leader of the CBS Orchestra for the Late Show with David Letterman. Paul even hosted the show four times when David Letterman was away. Their partnership lasted until Letterman's show ended in 2015.
Paul Shaffer still works with David Letterman on his Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman. Paul creates the music for the show. He wanted the music to have a "southern soul feeling," like the music from Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.
Other Musical Projects
Paul Shaffer has recorded music with many famous artists. He played keyboards for The Honeydrippers in 1984. This group was started by Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant. Their album included the hit song "Sea of Love".
Paul has released two solo albums: Coast to Coast (1989) and The World's Most Dangerous Party (1993). He has also worked with artists like Diana Ross, B.B. King, Cyndi Lauper, and Cher. In 1982, he co-wrote the popular song "It's Raining Men". This song was a big hit for The Weather Girls.
Since 1986, Paul Shaffer has been the musical director for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He also led the music for the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games.
In 2017, Paul reunited with his band, now called Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band. They released a new album and went on tour. They even returned to the Ed Sullivan Theater for the first time in years to perform on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Movie and TV Appearances
Paul Shaffer has appeared in several movies. He had a small role in This Is Spinal Tap. He also appeared in Blues Brothers 2000 and Scrooged. Paul lent his voice to the character Hermes in Disney's animated movie Hercules.
On television, Paul was considered for the role of George Costanza in Seinfeld. In 2001, he hosted the VH1 game show Cover Wars. He also served as musical director for The Concert for New York City in 2001. In 2013, he appeared in an episode of How I Met Your Mother. In 2018, he made a cameo in the Canadian sitcom Schitt's Creek. In 2019, Paul competed on The Masked Singer as "Skeleton".
Paul also hosts "Paul Shaffer's Day in Rock," which are short radio segments about music history.
Charity Work and Recognition
Since 2002, Paul Shaffer has been the national spokesperson for Epilepsy Canada. He has supported Lakehead University and helped organize a benefit concert for musician Mike Smith. Paul is also a member of the Canadian charity Artists Against Racism.
In 2006, Paul Shaffer received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame. In 2007, he was inducted into the Order of Canada, which is Canada's highest honor. A street in his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario, was renamed Paul Shaffer Drive in his honor.
Memoir
Paul Shaffer wrote a book about his life and career called We'll Be Here for the Rest of Our Lives: A Swingin' Show-biz Saga. It was published in 2009.
Personal Life
Paul Shaffer has been married to Cathy Vasapoli since 1990. They have two children.
Discography
- 1989: Coast to Coast
- 1993: The World's Most Dangerous Party
- 2017: Paul Shaffer & The World's Most Dangerous Band (Sire Records)
See also
In Spanish: Paul Shaffer para niños
