I have always been fascinated by history, especially 19th century U.S. history, and by popular culture, particularly music.  The projects that have required my most extensive research and writing have been my current work, David Crockett in Texas: His Search for New Land, David Crockett in Congress: The Rise and Fall of the Poor Man's Friend, and Channeling Elvis: How Television Saved the King of Rock 'n' Roll, each of which took a fresh look at a familar American figure. I also am the author of The Beatles: The Ultimate Recording Guide and co-author of Music of the Alamo. I have  written many articles and blogs, liner notes for several CDs, and am a former member of NARAS, which presents the Grammy Awards. I have written for The Washington Post, People, The Nashville Tennessean, Musician, Goldmine, Discoveries, The Alamo Journal, and The Crockett Chronicle. I have appeared on C-SPAN2's BookTV, Great Day San Antonio, NPR's All Things Considered, and many radio programs and podcasts.   I  retired after 32 years with the U.S. Department of Transportation.  Originally from New Jersey, I now live in Florida.

Winner of Independent Publishers Book Award for Regional non-fiction for "David Crockett in Congress: The Rise and Fall of the Poor Man's Friend" (2010). Appeared on CSpan's "Book TV," "Great Day San Antonio," NPR's "All Things Considered" and various radio programs and podcasts.