[1] Gaffney listed Bud Powell, Horace Silver, Bill Evans, Tommy Flanagan and Hank Jones as his major influences.
"[2] Born in New York City, Gaffney started studying the piano at the age of 10, but played the trombone by time he entered the United States Marine Corps in 1958.
[1] It was during the 1960s that Gaffney first met Jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan, when he was musical director of the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
"[2] After Vaughan's death he worked as Engelbert Humperdinck's musical director in Las Vegas, and as an orchestrator for Rita Moreno.
[1] Gaffney also accompanied Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae, Buddy Greco and Ernie Andrews.