Peter Buffett

Peter Buffett has an acclaimed career that spans more than 30 years as a professional musician, composer, philanthropist, and author. He began his career as the musical mind behind many of the early MTV bumpers of the ’80s, and the climactic crescendo in the memorable “Fire Dance” scene in 1990’s Oscar winning film Dances with Wolves. Buffett has received critical acclaim for his Native American-inspired music, most notably composing the full score for 500 Nations – the eight-hour Emmy Award-winning CBS miniseries produced by Kevin Costner, and the musical production Spirit: The Seventh Fire – a Native American-inspired show incorporating live native dancing, powwow singing, and Imax-scale visuals, which premiered on the National Mall as part of the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

From 1987 to present, Buffett has released 16 records, and has been signed to such labels as Narada, Epic, and Hollywood Records. He owns two independent labels, BisonHead and BeSide Records. Most of his releases had been instrumental recordings until 2006 when Buffett began experimenting with vocals and a more eclectic pop/rock sound. His latest work combines elements of soft and progressive rock in the vein of Simon & Garfunkel and Beck. Buffett has collaborated with Grammy-nominated recording artist Akon as well as Grammy-winning artist Angelique Kidjo on human rights inspired songs, one of which debuted at a special event at the UN General Assembly. He is also the only man to have performed at Eve Ensler’s 10th Anniversary V-Day celebration in New Orleans. Buffett’s latest venture is his inspiring book, Life Is What You Make It. The title, now available in paperback, has been translated in over 15 languages and has sold nearly half a million books worldwide. Personal and revealing, instructive and intuitive, Life Is What You Make It is about following passions over conventions, transcending your circumstances or status, taking up the reins of your destiny, and living life to its fullest.