STUMPERS CIV

The clock maker, composer, and singer listed below have something in common that has nothing to do with their professions. It does have something to do with their names.

SETH THOMAS
GEORGE GERSHWIN
PLACIDO DOMINGO

Answer:

Each man's first name ends with the same two letters that begin his last name. Thus, the names can be "consolidated:"

SETHOMAS
GEORGERSHWIN
PLACIDOMINGO

Credit: NY Times Crossword
March 25, 1998
GENE NEWMAN  (GENEWMAN)