Tom Canning is a keyboardist, writer, producer and Grammy-nominated arranger. He was born and raised in Rochester, New York, and grew up in a musical household. His father was a professor of Music Theory and Composition at the Eastman School of Music; his mother was a professional church soloist. Tom studied classical piano for ten years at Eastman, and after studying at both Berklee School of Music in Boston and North Texas State University, eventually settled in Los Angeles.

He quickly began performing and recording with such artists as John Klemmer, Delbert McClinton, Freddie King and T-Bone Burnett. A major turning point came in 1974 when he met then-unsigned Al Jarreau. For several years, Tom worked as Al's Musical Director, and eventually his co-writer and co-producer. Extensive international touring and recording led to seven albums, multi-platinum sales and numerous Grammy awards. During this period, Tom co-wrote with Al and others such songs as "Breakin' Away", "Never Givin' Up" and "Roof Garden".

Continuing to work with such diverse artists as Elvis Costello, Jim Carroll, Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh, Bonnie Raitt and Stephen Bruton (producing Bruton's first two solo albums, What It Is and Right On Time), Tom also became active in film and television, writing and performing on shows such as Melrose Place, Boston Public, The Larry Sanders Show, Malcolm In The Middle, and others.