David Geffen is the founder of Geffen Records and Dreamworks SKG.

He was born in New York and studied at New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn before going to University of Texas in Austin. However, he soon dropped out.

He began his entertainment career in the mailroom working in a talent agency. In 1971, at the age of 28, which singed on noted artistes such as Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and Jackson Browne. His company was acquired by Warner and merged with Elektra Records in 1972, but Geffen remained in-charge of the business till 1975. In 1975, he become the vice chairman of Warner Brothers.

In 1980, he set up Geffen Records. His net worth is estimated at $4.4 billion.

Image: Dreamworks founder David Geffen at the 36th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Warren Beatty held at the Kodak Theatre on June 12, 2008 in Hollywood, California. | Photograph: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI