Jon Huntsman jams with Paul Shaffer during "Late Show" appearance

Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman showed off his rock-n-roll roots in an appearance on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman" Wednesday night, sitting down at the keyboard with Paul Shaffer's CBS Orchestra for a lively performance of Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode.

Huntsman, who joined Letterman for a quick chat, said he wanted to "make it big" as a musician in high school.

"I wanted to be Paul Shaffer," he said. "If I'd made it as a musician, Dave, I wouldn't be sitting here with you today, I'd be playing with the guys."

"Is it possible for you to run over to the organ and do a little something with Paul?" asked Letterman.

Huntsman, who in one debate made a Nirvana reference that appeared to go over the heads of most audience members, appeared thrilled at the opportunity to show off his musical prowess.

Watch the clip at left.