Zero to 180 – Three Minute Magic

Discoveries of a Pop Music Archaeologist

Sleepy’s “Asphalt Cowboy”: First & Best Version

Don’t be misled by the German 7-inch soundtrack companion whose A-side bears the dual title, “Midnight CowboyAsphalt Cowboy” — Ferrante & Teicher did not, in fact, release an early version of the truck-driving country classic, “Asphalt Cowboy” in 1969.

Sleepy LaBeef, in truth, recorded the first — and greatest — version of “Asphalt Cowboy” in Nashville at summer’s zenith (i.e., July 31) as a new decade (1970) dawned:

“Asphalt Cowboy”

Sleepy Labeef (1970)

Produced by Shelby Singleton and recorded at Singleton Sound Studio in Nashville with the following musicians:

Jerry Shook — Guitar
Stevie Singleton — Guitar
Chip Young — Rhythm Guitar
Hargus Robbins — Piano
Bob Moore — Bass
Kenneth Buttrey — Drums

*

Written by Clark Bentley & Lawton Williams

Asphalt Cowboy 45

“Asphalt Cowboy,” co-written by Lawton Williams, who hit the charts back in 1964 with his vocal tune, “Everything’s OK on LBJ,” was also recorded by Rod Hart and used as the B-side for novelty trucker tune, “C.B. Savage.”

Mr. LaBeef stormed through the Nation’s Capitol just this past week in preparation for a series of dates up the East Coast to follow in early September 2014.

Sleepy LaBeef in Annapolis –

Veteran DC musicians, Daryl Davis & Jack O’Dell

Sleepy LaBeef - MD July 2014

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