I'm a fan of all things Motown. I also love most of the Jazz from the 30s-60s, especially Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Dave Brubeck is another favorite. ANY Delta blues is good in my book.
I've heard John Cage. I took a music appreciation class last semester, and we touched on the minimalistic music stylings of Cage. I think that ALL minimaistic music is unlistenable. It doesn't take much to compose a minimalistic piece. Although I do like the idea of the prepared piano.