David Benoit is an American jazz pianist, composer, and producer, highly regarded for his contributions to contemporary jazz since the late 1970s. Born on August 18, 1953, in Bakersfield, California, Benoit developed a passion for music at an early age and pursued formal studies in composition and piano performance. He gained prominence with his seminal album, "Freedom at Midnight," in 1987 and has since released numerous successful records. Apart from his solo career, Benoit has collaborated with a variety of notable artists and contributed to television themes, including his celebrated work for the "Peanuts" animated series. Known for his lyrical piano style, Benoit continues to perform and influence the jazz music scene.