Larry Verne
Larry Verne Erickson, born Larry Vern Erickson on February 8, 1936, in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, is an American singer known for his novelty songs. He
initially learned piano and guitar at a young age but began his career as a
stuntman in Hollywood under the name Wizzer Red. During this time, he met Fred
Darian, Al DeLory, and Joseph van Winkle, who wrote "Mr. Custer" and needed an
interpreter with a Southern accent. Erickson adopted the stage name Larry Verne
for this project. Released by Era Records in 1960, "Mr. Custer" became a
nationwide hit, reaching Number 1 on the Billboard...
