AND NOW HERE’S THE NEWS: If we...

AND NOW HERE’S THE NEWS: If we had to pick a big band leader for the ‘80s, it would be “Late Night With David Letterman’s” musical mensch, Paul Shaffer. And he’ll get a chance to show his stuff Thursday on “Late Night’s” sixth anniversary special, the show’s first in prime-time (airing from 9:30 to 11 p.m.). While Letterman is up to his usual pet tricks, Schaffer will be leading an all-star band through a series of soul classics. His pop cast includes pianists Billy Joel and Warren Zevon, guitarists Robert Cray, Duane Eddy and Joe Walsh, singers Cyndi Lauper and Ben E. King.