November 28

 

Motown's founding father Berry Gordy celebrates his 96th birthday today, the Detroit entrepreneur whose vision and business acumen built the most successful African-American-owned company in entertainment history while creating the "Sound of Young America" that changed popular music forever…

 

Rock history witnessed a bittersweet finale today in 1974 when John Lennon made his final concert appearance joining Elton John on stage at Madison Square Garden to perform "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," six years before his murder would make it his last public performance…

 

Pop's most sardonic storyteller Randy Newman celebrates his 82nd birthday today, the singer-songwriter whose satirical masterpieces like "Short People" and film scores have made him one of America's most respected composers despite his commercial songs often being misunderstood as sincere…

 

Late-night music's most effervescent personality Paul Shaffer turns 76 today, the Canadian keyboardist and bandleader whose 33 years as David Letterman's sidekick made him television's most recognizable music director while his session work graced countless classic recordings.