Sleepy LaBeef - Downhome Rockabilly (1979)

Sleepy LaBeef became the ultimate rockabilly survivor, his live performances retaining the same raw power as he approached his eighth decade that they had in the years when he was among the music's pioneers.
He was born Thomas Paulsley LaBeff in Smackover, AR. The 6'7" singer has heavily lidded eyes which make him appear half-asleep, hence his nickname.
He was raised on a melon farm and grew up hearing both country and blues music. LaBeef moved to Houston at age 18, working at several odd jobs before beginning to sing gospel music on local radio shows. Soon he was working with a band of his own at local bars, and he appeared on the Houston Jamboree and Louisiana Hayride radio programs. The new rockabilly style fit his blazing voice perfectly, and in the late '50s he recorded about a dozen sides in that style for various labels. His first single, "I'm Through," was released in 1957 on Starday. Sometimes he was billed as Tommy LaBeff or Sleepy LaBeff.
LaBeef moved to Nashville in 1964 and soon was signed to Columbia. In the 1960s he recorded mostly straight country music. His sixth single for the label, "Every Day," provided LaBeef with his chart debut in 1968, and after moving to Shelby Singleton's Plantation label in 1969, he hit the Top 20 with his version of "Blackland Farmer," Frankie Miller's heartfelt ode to the soil.
The late '60s also saw the towering baritone's film debut in the bizarre Southern drive-in horror musical The Exotic Ones; LaBeef played a swamp monster.

Track listing

01.  Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor  (2:17)
02.  Tore Up  (2:18)
03.  Flyin' Saucer Rock & Roll  (1:53)
04.  Red Hot  (3:04)
05.  I'm Ready If You're Willing  (2:35)
06.  I'm Coming Home  (1:46)
07.  I'm A One Woman Man  (1:35)
08.  Shot-Gun Boogie  (2:28)
09.  Rock & Roll Ruby  (2:18)
10.  Big Boss Man  (2:39)
11.  Boogie Woogie Country Girl  (2:29)
12.  Mystery Train  (1:47)
13.  Something On Your Mind   (3:50)
14.  Jack & Jill Boogie   (2:15)
15.  Blues Stay Away From Me  (3:44)

Credits
Engineer – Leroy Duncan
Executive Producer – Shelby S. Singleton Jr.
Liner Notes – Peter Guralnick
Photography By – Dennis Carney
Producer – John A. Singleton
Producer, Guitar, Vocals – Sleepy LaBeef*

Notes
Playing Time: 37:05
Genre: Rockabilly
Label: Charly Records

© 1979