From Long Island Dead Head to Puzzle Book Maverick
Born in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York, in 1960, I found my rhythm and melody on Long Island. My journey into the world of music began at the tender age of 9, as I embarked on an imaginary DJ career, spinning the magical tunes of the Beatles’ Abbey Road. Little did I know, this was just the prelude to a symphony of musical adventures.
Woodstock, the soundtrack of my summers, etched its tunes into my soul. My quest for musical exploration continued, fueled by the rebellious desire to own the Woodstock Album, a request that almost encountered resistance (I was only 9) due to its explicit content. Thanks to my persistence and a persuasive argument, my mom caved in, and the iconic album found its way into my collection.
In 1973, I took a psychedelic detour into the world of the Grateful Dead. Too young for the scene, but that didn’t stop me from immersing myself in Europe ’72 and Wake of the Flood. Fast forward to 1975 and Led Zeppelin’s thunderous performance at Nassau Coliseum became my first live concert experience, a sensory overload that left me with vibrating teeth and a lasting memory.
The summer of ’76 marked my pilgrimage to a Dead show at Colt Park in Hartford, Connecticut, courtesy of Camp Fuller. Little did I know that this would kick off a life-long love affair with the Grateful Dead. East coast shows, college in Florida with Dead tours in tow, and an expanding musical palette that embraced Southern rock and ’80s new wave — my journey was a symphony of evolving tastes.
As my career soared as a commercial pilot, my love for the Dead endured. The ’80s brought new sounds and genres, with WLIR radio station acting as a portal to uncharted musical territories. Amidst it all, I remained a steadfast Dead Head.
The final bow for the Dead came in 1995 at Giant Stadium, marked by a poignant T-shirt and memories frozen in time. Life took a Floridian turn post-9/11, a move driven by the desire for family bonds to flourish in the Sunshine State.
Fast forward to a turning point — a job ending, a quest for a side hustle, and the serendipitous discovery of crossword puzzle creation on YouTube. What started as a whimsical project turned into a flourishing venture. My puzzle books, inspired by the music I hold dear, found a home on Amazon.
From Dead lyrics to Beatles tunes, each puzzle is a labor of love. I invite you to dive into the pages, where every line is a nod to the joyous spirit of a Dead Head — may they make you Smile, Smile, Smile!