Originally a LaBoeuf, his family changed their name to LaBeef somewhere along the way while raising cotton and watermelons on their Arkansas farm. His nickname there was “Sleepy”, due to a lazy eye. As he grew up and became a fan of artist like George Jones, Bill Monroe, and (the first rock-n-roller) Sister Rosetta Tharpe, he learned the guitar and moved to Houston. There, Sleepy LaBeef sang gospel, and also had a band that played on the Houston Jamboree and Louisiana Hayride radio programs. As rockabilly came into swing, he started recording singles in the genre. First for Starday Records, then Sun, then on to others.
Rock-N-Roll Ruby – Sleepy LaBeef
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