Not only did Manson play guitar, but he had aspirations to become a pop star, and befriended the Beach Boys, who recorded one of his songs Before they started to get creeped out by the way he insinuated himself into their lives, particularly Dennis Wilson). Rumor has it he also auditioned for "The Monkees" TV show. And when he sent his "family" members to the home of Sharon Tate, it was because it had formerly been the home of Terry Melcher, a producer (and son of Doris Day, I believe) who had declined to sign Manson to a record deal.

Norman Schwartzkopf is another story altogether -- as a long-time admirer, I'm glad to learn this about him.