Charlie Shaffer (born October 8, 1929) is an American pianist, composer, and arranger known for his versatile work in easy listening and popular music. Born in Tampa, Florida, Shaffer displayed musical talent early, mastering piano and studying at the University of Miami.
After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he began his professional career in the 1950s, performing in nightclubs and arranging for vocalists and orchestras.
Shaffer gained prominence with his series of albums under the Piano Passion banner, starting in the 1970s with releases like Serenata and Charlie Shaffer Plays the Big Hits. His style blended lush, romantic melodies with a light jazz touch, appealing to fans of lounge and instrumental pop.
He recorded extensively for labels like Musicor and Decca, producing over 30 albums featuring original compositions and reimagined standards. Shaffer also composed for film and television, including the score for the 1971 movie The Love Machine.
Now in his 90s, Shaffer’s career spans decades, marked by his signature elegant phrasing and harmonic richness. Though less active today, his recordings remain cherished by easy listening enthusiasts worldwide.
30 recordings by Charlie Shaffer you can hear at Instrumentals Forever:
A Dreamer’s Holiday • An Affair To Remember • Because Of You • Daydream • Deep In A Dream • Dream A Little Dream Of Me • Dream Lover • Dream • Dreamsville • I Can Dream, Can’t I • I Write The Songs • If • I’ll See You In My Dreams • In Dreams • It’s Impossible • Marie Elena • Out Of My Dreams • Paradise • Poor Butterfly • Put Your Dreams Away, For Another Day • Tango Erotica • The Impossible Dream • Tijuana Rose • We’re All Alone • When I Dream • Wind Beneath My Wings • Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams • Yesterday Once More • You Belong To My Heart • You Stepped Out Of A Dream •
