As one of the most talked-about figures, Paul Shaffer has built a significant fortune. Our team analyzed the latest data to provide a clear picture of their income.
What Is Paul Shaffer's Net Worth and Salary?
Paul Shaffer is a Canadian musician and bandleader who has a net worth of $30 million. Paul Shaffer is best known for being the musical director, bandleader, and sidekick for comedian/talk show hostDavid Lettermanfrom 1982 until the show ended in 2015. In addition to accompanying musical guests on Letterman's show, Shaffer has released occasional albums and contributed his expertise to other projects. His first major television gig was as a member of the original band for the early seasons of "Saturday Night Live." Paul also co-wrote the song "It's Raining Men," which became a smash hit for The Weather Girls in 1982.
Paul Shaffer Salary
What was Paul Shaffer's salary as musical director of the David Letterman's show? $5 million per year.
Early Life
Paul Shaffer was born on November 28, 1949, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He was raised in Fort William by his parents, Shirley and Bernard Shaffer. He came from a music-loving family; his father was a jazz aficionado, and his mother loved show tunes. Shaffer credits his desire to become a performer with a trip during his childhood to Las Vegas to seeNat King Cole. In his early years, Paul studied classical piano as a child and later joined a rock band after discovering the Beatles andNeil Young. Shaffer originally wanted to earn a law degree and join his father's firm, but while majoring in psychology as an undergraduate at the University of Toronto, he found himself unable to bear giving up music. He began playing jazz with guitarist Tisziji Munoz and performed in bands around local bars. He completed his studies and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology in 1971.
Career
Paul's first onscreen appearance was a brief one: playing the organ at an outdoor wedding in 1971's "North of Superior," an early IMAX documentary that was shot in northern Ontario. After graduation, Shaffer landed a job as musical director of a Toronto production of "Godspell" in 1972, where he befriendedMartin Short,Gilda Radner, andEugene Levy. He began playing piano for the Broadway show "The Magic Show" in 1974. Paul soon branched out into radio work, including "National Lampoon's Radio Hour," and played on other artists' recording sessions, commercial jingles, and demos.
Ultimately, Paul Shaffer's financial journey is a testament to their success.
Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.
