Sheb Wooley – born Shelby Wooley in Erick, Oklahoma on April 10, 1921 – was a
singer, songwriter, and actor best known for his 1958 rock and roll novelty hit
“The Purple People Eater.” In his younger years, he lived on a farm and became a
rodeo rider as well as a musician. He formed his first band at the age of 15 and
taught a young Roger Miller – his cousin through marriage – how to play guitar.
Sheb Wooley briefly worked in the oil industry before beginning his recording
career in 1945 and moving to Ft. Worth, Texas a year later to earn a living as
a country and western music...