Actor Floyd Westerman dies at 71

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Floyd Red Crow Westerman, the celebrated Native American singer, actor and activist, has died at 71

Westerman, who died Friday in Los Angeles, began his career as a country singer, The Rapid City (S.D.) Journal and NativeTimes.com reported Saturday.

The Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota later appeared in more than 50 films and television productions, including "Dances with Wolves," "Hidalgo," "The Doors," "Poltergeist," and "Northern Exposure"

Westerman appeared also in 12 episodes of the TV series, "Walker, Texas Ranger," as Uncle Ray Firewalker, it was reported.

His first album "Custer Died for Your Sins," became the background theme of the emerging Red Power Movement in 1969.

"He's the closest thing that the Indian community ever had to a Woody Guthrie," said longtime concert promoter Mark Tilsen."He managed to do those songs that talked painful, truthful things but without putting anybody on edge. He was really a great songwriter."