"Basically, my main message is ‘Do what you love; money and happiness follows that.’ I’m here to tell you that it works," says Peter Buffett.

Peter Buffett wears more hats than Dr. Seuss’ fabled Bartholomew Cubbins. The Emmy-winning former Milwaukeean has written dozens of songs, including for his own BeSide Records. Buffett also staged major touring shows such as "Spirit-The Seventh Fire," utilizing Native American themes. He’s engineered recordings and composed for film and television scores, such as Kevin Costner’s "Dances With Wolves."

In addition to his creative arts background, Buffett works hard supporting causes that emphasize education and women’s and children’s issues. That drive to sharing wealth was learned early from his parents, entrepreneur investor Warren Buffett and his late wife, Susan, both noted philanthropists in their hometown of Omaha. There was no life of endless luxury for their son, who was plunking away on his folks’ piano at age 6 and sold a gift of his grandfather’s stock to jump start his music career. "My dad has lived in the same home for 52 years and we went to local schools. There was no ‘My God, my dad’s a billionaire.’ When I walk back into the house today, it’s the same as it always has been. We were pretty low key," Buffett says. He points out that often when he meets people, they say, "‘You seem so normal.’"

Reflecting on this comment, Buffet ponders, "I guess it was a compliment at first. But maybe it’s sad commentary that somehow you are supposed to be different if you come from a wealthy family."

Buffett’s latest venture is his new book, "Life Is What You Make It: Find Your Own Path to Fulfillment." Testimonials for its message, obvious in the title, have come from President Bill Clinton, Bill and Melinda Gates, Ted Turner and Gloria Steinem, among others.

"Dad wanted to show us how important it is for each person to define his or her own path, regardless of background," says Buffett. He adds, "Dad had a chance to see the manuscript before it was published and was pleased with it." Early in June, the two Buffetts even appeared together on "The Today Show" to plug the volume.

"Watching Dad doing what he loved every day encouraged us to find our own way. He was a great inspiration to me," says his son. "That ultimately led to writing this book."

Having moved to Milwaukee primarily to work on his recordings with Narada, a New Age musical powerhouse, Buffett lived mostly under the radar during his years here. Although he and his wife, Jennifer, moved to New York from Milwaukee in 2005, he retains plenty of local ties. Even down to his banking. Buffett also helped found 88Nine RadioMilwaukee and remains a board member for the station, which he appreciates for its promotion of community.

"No, I didn’t get involved just to have a place to have my music played," he jokes. "Launching a radio station was way down on my list. But when a group of us had the chance to answer a request for a proposal on what to do with the old Milwaukee School Board station, I jumped at the opportunity."