Sheb Wooley was an American singer, songwriter, and actor, born on April 10, 1921, in Erick, Oklahoma. He emerged from the Dust Bowl country during the Great Depression and pursued a career in music and film that spanned decades. Wooley was known for his novelty song "The Purple People Eater," which became a pop culture hit in 1958, reaching number one on the Billboard Pop charts. His career in music featured a variety of genres, including country and novelty songs, with a particular penchant for cowboy tunes reflecting his Oklahoma roots and love for the Western lifestyle.
Aside from his musical achievements, Sheb was also a distinguishable character actor, often seen in Western films and television series, portraying cowboys, outlaws, and comedic characters. He starred in over 60 films and appeared in numerous television shows such as "Rawhide" with Clint Eastwood. His raspy voice and charismatic presence also allowed him to transition into voice acting later in his career. Wooley continued to delight fans with albums like "Wild & Wooley" and "Tales Of How The West Was Won," solidifying his dual legacy as both a musical and cinematic talent. Sheb Wooley passed away on September 16, 2003, but his work continues to entertain and influence both musicians and actors.
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