Warren Brooks Bernhardt was an accomplished American pianist known for his work in jazz, pop, and classical music. Born on November 13, 1938, in Wausau, Wisconsin, Bernhardt was introduced to the piano by his father, who was also a pianist. After moving to New York City at the age of five, he began formal piano studies. Despite a temporary retreat from music following his father's death in 1952, Bernhardt's exposure to blues and jazz in Chicago during his university years deeply influenced his musical path.

Bernhardt's professional career began in 1961 with Paul Winter's sextet, which led him back to New York, where he collaborated with notable musicians like George Benson and Gerry Mulligan. He developed a close mentorship with pianist Bill Evans and released several solo albums in the 1970s. Bernhardt was also a member of the jazz fusion group Steps Ahead and worked extensively as a sideman with artists such as Don McLean, providing piano accompaniment for the song "Crossroads."

Throughout his career, Bernhardt toured with Steely Dan as their musical director and performed with Simon and Garfunkel and Art Garfunkel's solo tours. In 2009, he reunited with his 1973 band L'Image, releasing the album L 'Image 2.0. Bernhardt's discography includes numerous solo recordings and collaborations, showcasing his versatility across genres.

Warren Bernhardt passed away on August 19, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of musical contributions and a family, including his second wife Jan and their daughter Nicole.