Rockabilly singer Sleepy LaBeef passes away

LaBeef, an Arkansas native, was on labels including StarDay, Columbia and Rounder.

LaBeef was born in Smackover, Ark, LaBeef was called "Sleepy" due to having a lazy eye. At 18, he moved to Houston where he sang gospel. LaBeef also had a bar band plaing radio programs including the Louisiana Hayride.

LaBeef never had any big hits, but his live performance was his calling card.

His family announced his death this morning. "It is with deep, agonizing sadness that we inform you of the news that this morning, Sleepy LaBeef, born Thomas Paulsley LaBeff, passed on from this life to be with the Lord," wrote his wife, Linda LaBeef. "He died at home, in his own bed, surrounded by his family who loved him, and whom he dearly loved. He lived a full and vibrant life, filled with the excitement of much travel and experience, the contentment that came from being able to spend his life doing what he loved best, and the fulfilling love of his wife, children, and grandchildren around him."

LaBeef, who stood about 6-5, began recoding rockabilly singles in the 1950s. His first, "I'm Through,: was issued on Starday Records in 1957. In 1964, he moved to Nashville and moved to a more staightahead country style, recording singles for Columbia Records. In 1968, he hit 73 with "Every Day."

LaBeef switched to Plantation Records in 1969 and gained play in1971 with "Blackland Farmer", which charted at 67 . He eventually switched to Sun Records in the 1970s and continued releasing albums and touring, LaBeef later switched to Rounder where he released several album.