Doc was born in Arlington, Oregon, July 7, 1927. As a kid, Doc was introduced to music by his father, an amateur classical violinist. At the early age of 12, he won the state band contest and Music Educators' national competition playing trumpet. He then went on to tour with Ted Fiorito's band. Later, after finishing high school, he toured with the bands of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and Charlie Barnet. In 1949 he joined NBC in New York as a staff musician, working with such personalities as Steve Allen, Dinah Shore, Eddie Fisher and the late Kate Smith.

Doc frequently performs as a soloist with symphony orchestras, appears in nightclubs and records. Severinsen's many musical achievements include his Carnegie Hall debut in 1984. He serves as principal Pops conductor for the Phoenix Orchestra. He appears with his own jazz group, Facets.

Doc breeds thoroughbreds and quarter horses, and lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Emily. His adult children are Nancy, Judy, Robin and Allen.