Paul Weston, born Paul Wetstein on March 12, 1912, in Springfield, Massachusetts, was a prominent American pianist, arranger, composer, and conductor. He was a key figure in the development of mood music, earning the title "the Father of Mood Music." His career spanned from the 1930s to the 1970s, during which he composed popular songs like "I Should Care," "Day by Day," and "Shrimp Boats," as well as classical pieces such as "Crescent City Suite."

Weston pursued an education in Economics at Dartmouth College, where he also led his own band, The Green Serenaders. After a serious train accident in 1934, he focused on music arrangement, eventually working with notable figures like Rudy Vallée and Tommy Dorsey. His collaboration with Dorsey led to his involvement with The Pied Pipers and later, work with Dinah Shore and film projects in Hollywood.

In 1942, Weston became associated with Capitol Records, where he served as music director and helped shape the label's sound. He married singer Jo Stafford in 1952, and they collaborated on a comedic act known as Jonathan and Darlene Edwards, winning a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1960.

Weston's contributions to music were recognized with a Grammy Trustees Award in 1971, and he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He passed away on September 20, 1996, in Santa Monica, California.