Tom Coster, born on August 21, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, is an esteemed American keyboardist and composer known for his significant contributions to the music industry, particularly in the genres of rock, Latin rock, jazz fusion, and classical music. Raised in San Francisco, Coster's musical journey began in his youth with piano and accordion, which he pursued through college and during a five-year tenure with the U.S. Air Force Band.

Coster's career is notably marked by his collaboration with Carlos Santana, where he served as a keyboardist and composer, contributing to six classic Santana albums, including "Caravanserai," "Welcome," and "Moonflower." His compositions such as "Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)" and "Flor D'Luna (Moonflower)" are celebrated works from his time with Santana. Beyond Santana, Coster's versatile talent led him to work with a variety of artists and bands including The Loading Zone, Gábor Szabó, Billy Cobham, Third Eye Blind, and Vital Information.

In addition to his collaborative efforts, Coster has an impressive solo career with several jazz fusion recordings under labels like Fantasy, Headfirst, and JVC. His solo discography includes albums such as "T.C." and "Ivory Expeditions," which feature collaborations with prominent musicians like Joaquin Lievano and Randy Jackson.

Coster's influence extends to his family, with his son, Tom Coster Jr., following in his footsteps as a keyboardist and composer. Coster's legacy in the music world is marked by his innovative fusion of genres and his contributions to the evolution of jazz and rock music.