Larry Verne

Larry Vern Erickson (February 8, 1936 – October 8, 2013) was an American novelty song vocalist.

Larry Verne
Birth name	Larry Vern Erickson
Born	(1936-02-08)February 8, 1936 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Died	October 8, 2013(2013-10-08) (aged 77) Sylmar, California, U.S.
Genres	Novelty songs
Occupation	Singer
Years active	1960–1963
Labels	Era Records

Biography

Verne recorded two U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart hit singles in 1960, "Mister Livingston" (No. 75) and "Mr. Custer" (No. 1, and No. 9 R&B).^[1] "Mr. Custer" was written by Fred Darian, Al De Lory, and Joe Van Winkle.^[2] The record sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc.^[2] In the UK, "Mr. Custer" was successfully covered by Charlie Drake. "Mr. Custer" was featured on an album of novelty songs recorded by Verne called Mister Larry Verne, which was released that same year.

After growing tired of the music industry, Verne quit to become a successful builder of Hollywood film sets, which he did for 35 years before retiring.^[3]

Death

Verne died on October 8, 2013, of heart failure in Sylmar, California, at the age of 77.^[4] He had long suffered from Alzheimer's disease and had suffered three strokes.^[5]

Discography

Singles

Year	Title	Peak chart positions		Record Label	B-side	Album
		US Pop	US R&B
1960	"Mr. Custer"	1	9	Era	"Okeefenokee Two Step"	Mister Larry Verne
	"Mister Livingston"	75	—		"Roller Coaster"
1961	"Abdul's Party"	113	—		"Tubby Tilly"
	"Charlie at the Bat"	—	—		"Pow, Right in the Kisser"
	"The Speck"	—	—		"Beatnick"
1962	"I'm a Brave Little Soldier"	—	—		"Hoo-Ha"
	"The Coward That Won the West"	—	—		"The Porcupine Patrol"
1964	"Return of Mr. Custer"	—	—		"Running Through the Forrest"