EDDIE ERICKSON: The Good Humor Man

Eddie Erickson (born 1948, San Francisco) is a virtuoso banjoist, guitarist, vocalist, and natural-born entertainer whose warmth matches his musical chops. A childhood ukulele led to a Christmas tenor banjo at 13, self-taught study from records and books, and early inspiration from masters like Eddie Peabody and Django Reinhardt. After an underage stint in a pizza parlor, he found his footing in 1968 at Monterey’s Capone’s Warehouse—his “show business university”—adding cornet, comedy bits, and stagecraft (including a toilet-seat guitar) to his act.

Disneyland and Disney World followed, then a long run leading the Riverboat Rascals aboard the Empress Lilly. Back in Monterey, he joined the Abalone Stompers and built a national reputation, recording and touring with top traditional jazz artists. Honored as “Musician of the Year” at both L.A.’s Sweet & Hot Festival and our very own Monterey Jazz Bash, Erickson also devotes decades to youth camps and workshops. Humorous onstage yet deeply serious about music, he remains modest: “I’m just a guy who plays music.”