Earworm – Sleepy LaBeef – Tore Up

Sleepy LaBeef was an influential American musician known for his extensive work in rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, and country music. Born Thomas Paulsley LaBeff on July 20, 1935, in Smackover, Arkansas, he earned the nickname "Sleepy" due to his droopy eyelids, which made him look as if he was always half asleep. LaBeef began his musical career in the mid-1950s, releasing his first single, "All Alone," in Texas in 1956. LaBeef's career spanned over six decades, with significant moments including his time with Columbia Records in the 1960s, where he had his first chart success with "Every Day" in 1968, and his association with Sun Records in the 1970s after its revival by Shelby Singleton. Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, his live shows retained a raw, energetic power that kept him popular among roots music enthusiasts, particularly in Europe and the United States.

He also had a brief stint in film, appearing in the 1968 B-movie "The Exotic Ones" (which is used here) as a swamp monster, showcasing his towering 6'7" frame. LaBeef continued to tour almost relentlessly until his death on December 26, 2019, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of the last direct links to the early days of rock 'n' roll.