Stephen Colbert has built a vibrant late night band that blends political comedy with tight musicianship. The group performs nightly on The Late Show and has evolved across years of broadcasts.
Behind the scenes, the band supports Colbert’s monologues, field pieces, and musical parodies with a cohesive sound shaped by distinct roles and long standing chemistry. Understanding the lineup helps viewers appreciate how the show blends talk, satire, and music.
| Name | Primary Role | Instrument(s) | Tenure with The Late Show Band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Colbert | Host / Lead Vocalist | Voice, occasional guitar | 2015–present |
| Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg | Band Leader / Trombone | Trombone, vocals | 2015–present |
| Scott Healy | Musical Director / Keyboards | Keyboards, synthesizers | 2015–present |
| Jerry Vivino | Woodwinds & Brass Specialist | Saxophone, clarinet, trumpet | 2015–present |
| John DiGiralamo | Drummer | Drums, percussion | 2015–present |
| Mark Pender | Trumpet & Vocals | Trumpet, backing vocals | 2015–present |
| Eddie Barbash | Saxophone & Woodwinds | Alto and tenor saxophone | 2015–present |
| Jimmy Vivino | Guitar & Banjo | Guitar, banjo | 2015–present |
The Band Leader and Musical Director
Richie Rosenberg and Scott Healy
Richie Rosenberg serves as the band leader, shaping the musical direction while playing trombone with expressive solos. Scott Healy acts as musical director, anchoring the show with keyboards and creative arrangements that support both comedy and music segments.
Together they maintain the tight timing required for live television, cueing musicians for transitions between jokes, interviews, and big production numbers. Their long collaboration brings consistency to the show’s nightly sound.
Core Section Players
Trumpet, Saxophone, and Woodwinds
The brass and woodwind section delivers punchy hooks, comedic stabs, and melodic underscores for sketches. Mark Pender and Eddie Barbash on trumpet and saxophones add bright energy, while Jerry Vivino covers diverse woodwind tones.
This section often trades fours with the host during musical parodies and punctuates audience reactions, creating a lively sonic backdrop for late night humor.
Rhythm Section and Drums
Guitar, Bass, and Percussion
Jimmy Vivino handles guitar and banjo, introducing folk, rock, and country textures into the repertoire. John DiGiralamo drives the rhythm as drummer, locking with bass and keyboards to keep the show’s pulse steady during extended bits.
The rhythm section allows for dynamic shifts, from mellow acoustic segments to full band workouts that fill The Ed Sullivan Theater with stadium sized grooves.
Stable Sidelong Band Structure
- Keep an ear for vocal delivery and comedic timing during musical segments.
- Notice how the trombone and trumpet sections punctuate punchlines and transitions.
- Observe the seamless coordination between music director and band leader in live sketches.
- Appreciate the rhythm section’s role in shifting the show from comedy to full band grooves.
- Recognize the long standing chemistry among members that has defined the show’s sound since 2015.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who leads the music on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert?
Richie Rosenberg leads the band as band leader and trombonist, while Scott Healy serves as musical director, arranging and cueing the music each night.
Which members have been with the band since the beginning of the show? All eight core members including Richie Rosenberg, Scott Healy, Jerry Vivino, John DiGiralamo, Mark Pender, Eddie Barbash, Jimmy Vivino, and Stephen Colbert have remained together through the life of The Late Show. Does Stephen Colbert sing and play an instrument with the band?
Yes, Colbert serves as host and lead vocalist, singing comedic lyrics and occasionally playing guitar during special musical numbers.
Are there any substitutes if a band member is on vacation?
While the core lineup performs most nights, guest musicians occasionally sit in for specific parts, but the primary ensemble listed above appears on the majority of episodes.