
Arthur Russell Custer was born in Manchester, Connecticut on April 21, 1923. Custer demonstrated an early interest in music, playing on a piano in the family home as a child. In fifth grade he joined the Manchester Green Grammar School Band as a drummer. At Manchester High School, Custer continued playing drums for the school band, as well as playing in jazz dance bands, an activity he continued throughout his high school and undergraduate years. [read more...]