Kenneth Allen Crutchfield, Sr. was born on the south side of Chicago into a family of musicians. During his formative years he worked as a professional drummer in Chicago then traveled globally after finishing high school. He received a Bachelors degree from the University of Southern California and a Masters degree from Queens College (CUNY) in New York City, both in music. He has written several plays, The Great Kickin' Dog, Balloon on a String and Lorna's L'Elegant Lounge; two musicals, All God's Saints Go To Heaven-Not and Bones Brothers Brothel. All were produced in New York City as well as nationally. Ken is also a writer of prose and pens poetry as well. The 'Great' Kickin' Dog' is his first novel, loosely based on his family. It was written at the urgency of his wife, Terry who thought it to be an important story to tell. He started writing it as a tribute to his compassionate and resilient father who died two weeks after the book’s completion. Then upon the sudden deaths of his mother and brother soon after, he was quite thankful to have written this fictional story as a memorial to their fascinating lives. And during the writing process, Ken was extremely grateful to be able to fulfill the need to create while at the same time provide a channel for his pent-up emotions.