Saturday 9- Purple People Eater

 

Purple People Eater

Saturday 9: Purple People Eater (1958)

Unfamiliar with this song? Hear it here.

1) When actor Sheb Wooley brought this song to MGM Records, they initially rejected it, saying it just wasn't the kind of thing they wanted to be associated with. Then executives discovered how popular the audition recording was with the 20-somethings in the office. MGM released it after all and it became a #1 hit. Tell us about a time you were glad you changed your mind about something.

Nothing is really coming to mind.

2) This song has been so enduringly popular that in the 1970s, the Minnesota Vikings defensive line referred to themselves as the Purple People Eaters. What football team do you root for?  Kansas City Chiefs, I lived in Kansas City for a little while, but I have always been a fan.

3) The song was initially inspired by Sputnik, the satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1958. In the 21st century, do you think space exploration is a worthwhile public investment? Or would you prefer  governments spend that money here on earth?  I do not really give this much thought.  

4) The Purple People Eater is a visitor from another planet. When you imagine creatures from outer space, are they frightening or friendly?  I am going to say frightening.

5) This record was the biggest hit Sheb Wooley ever had. He was better known as an actor, costarring with Clint Eastwood on the 1950s TV show, Rawhide. What's your favorite Clint Eastwood movie?  I like many films Clint Eastwood has been in, just not sure what my favorite would be.

6) Sheb and Clint remained buddies and appeared together decades later in The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976). Tell us about one of your longest-lasting friendships.  I met Barb in junior high.  She was a new student to our district and I believe she is from Chicago.  We did everything together in school.  We would go to Silver Dollar City and White Water together, we worked together, we stayed the night at each other's homes.  She was there for me when my dad passed away.  We have spent the 4th of July together with our families.  She is just a great friend.

7) In 1958, when this song was popular, hula hoops were a national craze. Did you ever play with a hula hoop? If yes, were you good at it?  I have tried to play with a hula hoop, but I am terrible at it.

8) Also in 1958, Arnold Palmer won his first Masters Golf Tournament. When did you most recently play golf?  I have only played miniature golf...that is something else Barb and I used to do together.  It has been years, I was probably in college last time I played.

9) Random question: Do you believe women gossip more than men?  My husband gossips way more than I do.  I am not sure how normal that is.  He has a lot of female influence in his life with his 3 sisters and his mom.  I would say it is even in the gossip area for men and women.