From a working-class background, earned his bachelor's degree in
English literature, then studied in Japan for a year. He worked in film
studio there and also boxed as a light heavyweight amateur. Sang at
parties and played rockabilly and Elvis Presley tunes on his guitar.
Is a surfer and has surfed with famous big wave surfers off San Francisco, where he is still living as of 2016.
He was one of the valedictorians of his graduating class at Stagg High
School, Stockton, California, in 1974.
Music video "Wicked Game" was ranked #13 on VH1's (2001) 100 Greatest Videos list.