Among the famous graffiti artists from New York City's 1970s subway era was an unassuming talent from the unassuming borough of Queens. The Italian-American rock and roller who wrote "DON 1 MAFIA" blasted onto the scene like a meteorite out of nowhere. His influence on this art form transcended the inner city and he became a legend and a household name. But his descent from the top of this name game, a result of the hedonistic lifestyle of New York City at the time, was just as swift, and for years DON1 has lived in obscurity. Fortunately, as a photographer studying at the prestigious school of Art and Design, DON1 documented his iconic work, along with that of his well-known contemporaries, using his trusted 35mm camera. This penetrating work takes the reader inside the supernova that was DON1's creative life with nearly 200 never before seen graffiti photos of the most undocumented NYC train lines and an even rarer glimpse at work from his black book. AUTHOR: Louie "KR.ONE" Gasparro is one of twelve children born in Manhattan to Italian immigrants and raised in the Astoria / Long Island City section of Queens, New York. Gasparro found inspiration and a creative outlet by taking part in the rolling art of NYC subway graffiti from 1977-1983, primarily affiliated with MTA writing groups like TSS (The Super Squad), RTW (Rolling Thunder Writers), and NWA (New Wave Artists) Also an accomplished musician, Gasparro has travelled the world, created art, written music, and played drums and guitar for such legendary NYC bands as Murphy's Law and Lordz of Brooklyn. "KR.ONE" Gasparro is a graphic designer, painter, and musician living and working in the New York City area with his wife and three sons. 222 b/w and colour photographs
