The one-of-a-kind musical mastery of Sleepy LaBeef is coming to Johnny D’s this Saturday.

By Jim Clark

“Sleepy speaks … liars tremble.”

These words of tribute by music industry giant Nick Lowe say it all, wholly and succinctly. And this from the man who wrote and recorded a widely popular song entitled All Men Are Liars.

The subject of the lofty accolade is the one and only Sleepy LaBeef, a giant in the realm of rockabilly and country music – both figuratively and literally, considering his 6’-6” stature – whose storied recording career has spanned nearly 60 years.

LaBeef will grace the stage at Johnny D’s this coming Saturday evening for a 7 p.m. show that affords a rare opportunity to witness one of the last remaining pioneers of the genre not only at work, but just as vital and dynamic as he has ever been.

Born Thomas Paulsley LaBeff in 1935 in Smackover, Arkansas, he received his nickname due to a “sleepy eye”. After moving to Houston, Texas at the age of 18, he began singing gospel music on local radio and put together a band that played such legendary venues as the Houston Jamboree and Louisiana Hayride.

LaBeef began making records in 1957 and has maintained a steady output of material ever since. Latching onto the then massive popularity of rockabilly – rubbing shoulders with superstars of the day such as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Wanda Jackson – he carved his own niche among the pantheon of the genre’s brightest luminaries. He scored hits in the 60’s with Every Day and Blackland Farmer.

While never achieving the same level of fame as his contemporaries among the masses, LaBeef has remained one of popular music’s best kept secrets for these many decades, while those in the know relish the opportunity to enjoy his records and live performances whenever they can.

As productive as ever, he has issued a DVD/CD package, Sleepy LaBeef Rides Again, featuring live performances recorded at the RCA Studio B in Nashville.

Somerville audiences have a rare opportunity to catch the tireless magic of LaBeef’s talents at Johnny D’s this weekend. Sleepy speaks … enough said.

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Sleepy LaBeef, Saturday, September 13, 7:00 p.m., at Johnny D’s, 17 Holland Street, Somerville.