New York City, New York – Paul Shaffer, renowned bandleader and comedian, initially turned down the opportunity to become David Letterman’s sidekick and bandleader. Reflecting on his decision during an appearance on the Kenny Aronoff Sessions podcast, Shaffer revealed that he received a call when his five-year tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL) was coming to an end. At the time, Letterman was hosting a live morning show on NBC, and although the prospect intrigued Shaffer, he had no interest in waking up early to be a part of it.
Letterman’s morning show was short-lived, as NBC recognized his potential for late-night television and offered him a time slot after Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. At this point, Letterman reached out to Shaffer again, presenting him with the opportunity to join him on the new late-night show. With the show starting at 12:30 AM, Shaffer found the time slot more to his liking, remarking, “Even later than Johnny Carson, now that’s my kind of thing.”
Before officially taking on the role of bandleader, Shaffer had a meeting with Letterman to see if their chemistry was a match. During their conversation, Letterman mentioned seeing Shaffer’s sketches with Bill Murray on SNL and showed appreciation for the musician’s comedic abilities. As Shaffer shared his vision of a band reminiscent of those found in “the topless bars of Canada,” Letterman responded with his trademark humor, referring to himself as the “Wayne Cochran of comedy.”
Impressed by Letterman’s wit and offbeat humor, Shaffer was convinced he needed to work with him. And so, he agreed to become Letterman’s bandleader, embarking on a long and successful partnership that would define late-night television.
Shaffer’s decision to join Letterman was not only driven by their initial interaction but also by the host’s unique sense of humor. His desire to create a band influenced by the sounds of R&B and the ambiance of Canadian topless bars resonated with Letterman’s comedic sensibilities. Recognizing their shared vision, Shaffer eagerly embarked on this new journey with the late-night host.
The collaboration between Shaffer and Letterman would go on to produce memorable late-night moments that would become part of television history. From hilarious sketches to standout musical performances, the duo left an indelible mark on the late-night landscape.
In conclusion, Paul Shaffer’s initial reluctance to take on the role of David Letterman’s bandleader and sidekick underscores the dynamic nature of their partnership. It was their shared sense of humor, chemistry, and dedication to creating unforgettable late-night moments that brought them together and solidified their place in the annals of television history.