Before he became David Letterman’s iconic bandleader and sidekick for over 30 years, Paul Shaffer was a member of the SNL house band from 1975 to 1980. He was also a featured performer, known for his wacky impression of rock promoter Don Kirshner. He also co-created the Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, serving as their musical director. Shaffer’s musical genius and quirky comedic timing were an essential part of the show’s early sound and feel. His career with Letterman made him a household name, but his foundational work at SNL was where his unique blend of music and comedy first shone on a national stage.