"Purple People Eater" is a novelty song written and performed by Sheb Wooley. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the artist:
Release and Success: The song was released in 1958 and quickly became a massive hit. It reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for six weeks.
Novelty Song: "Purple People Eater" is classified as a novelty song, a genre known for its humorous or quirky lyrics. The song tells the story of a one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple people eater who comes to Earth to join a rock band.
Sheb Wooley, the Artist: Sheb Wooley was not only a singer but also a versatile entertainer. He was a character actor in Westerns and appeared in numerous films and TV shows. His acting career included roles in movies like "High Noon" and the television series "Rawhide."
Multi-Talented: Apart from his success in music and acting, Sheb Wooley was also a skilled songwriter. In addition to "Purple People Eater," he wrote several other songs and even recorded a few country hits.
Variety Show Appearance: Sheb Wooley performed "Purple People Eater" on the popular variety show "The Ed Sullivan Show," which was a significant platform for artists during that era.
Cultural Impact: The song's catchy and humorous nature made it a cultural phenomenon. It has been covered by various artists over the years and remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of 1950s music.
One-Hit Wonder: While Sheb Wooley is remembered for the success of "Purple People Eater," he is often considered a one-hit wonder in terms of mainstream chart success. However, his contributions to entertainment extend beyond this iconic song.
"Purple People Eater" remains a classic example of a novelty song that captured the imagination of listeners and became a timeless piece of pop culture.