Bruce Kovner

Dropped out of harvard Ph.D. program; drove New York City taxi, studied harpsichord at Juilliard. Founded hedge fund Caxton Associates 1983. Has returned 25% a year net of fees. Assets under management: $11.5 billion. Music aficionado donated collection of 140 scores and sketches by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms to Juilliard 2006. Paid $80 million for string of beachfront properties in Santa Barbara.