Saturday Night Live Band

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The Saturday Night Live Band (most often referred to as The Live Band) is the house band of the NBC television program Saturday Night Live.

The band consists of mostly jazz, R&B, and some rock musicians and features a strong horn section. They normally play the opening theme music (after the cold opening), musical pieces in between commercial breaks, and the closing theme music. Occasionally, the band will provide the music to a sketch when necessary.

Howard Shore served as the original band leader and musical director from 1975 until 1980, when he was succeeded by jazz musician Kenny Vance for the 1980-1981 season. Original band member Tom Malone took over leadership duties during executive producer Dick Ebersol's tenure from 1981 to 1985. Keyboardist Cheryl Hardwick co-directed the band with Hall & Oates guitarist G.E. Smith from 1985 until 1995. Upon Smith's departure, longtime band saxophonist Lenny Pickett became co-director, then became the sole musical director upon Hardwick's retirement in 2000. Longtime SNL bandmember and keyboardist, Leon Pendarvis(who has been a member of the band since 1980)was promoted to 2nd musical director.

Many famous musicians have served as members of the band, including David Sanborn (1975), Michael Brecker, Alan Rubin (1975-83),Ray Chew (1980-1983) and Paul Shaffer (1975-80). Sanborn returned to SNL as a musical guest in 1980; Shaffer hosted in 1987.

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