[1] A journalism graduate of Wayne State University, Cauffiel began his writing career as a contributor to music magazines, including Rolling Stone, Creem and Guitar Player.
Thematically, Cauffiel's books often explore how people embrace popular trends and exalt American values to hide their own dark intentions and destructive acts.
The New York Times 1988 review called Cauffiel's book Masquerade an "excellent account of one man's flirtation with a twilight zone of his own making.
Cauffiel's directing debut with Primary Purpose, Men In A Box, starring Kurtwood Smith, was a selection at several American film festivals.
[4] His son, John, under the stage name Johnny Coolati, is the lead guitarist and singer for the Brooklyn-based rock trio Call of the Wild, signed to Kemado Records.