David Benoit, a GRAMMY®-nominated pianist, composer, and arranger, is regarded as one of the founding figures of contemporary jazz. Over his four-decade career, he has released 41 solo albums, including notable works like Freedom at Midnight (1987) and Every Step of the Way (1988). His compositions have earned him three GRAMMY® nominations, including Best Contemporary Jazz Performance, Best Large Ensemble Performance, and Best Instrumental Composition.

Benoit has collaborated with artists such as Patti Austin, Dave Koz, and Brian McKnight, and composed for film and television, notably for The Peanuts TV specials and films like The Stars Fell on Henrietta. A respected conductor, he has led symphonies worldwide, including the LA Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra. Benoit also hosts a radio show on KKJZ 88.1 FM and serves as Music Director and Conductor for the Asia America Symphony Association.