Shelby F. "Sheb" Wooley (April 10, 1921–September 16, 2003) was a character actor and singer and songwriter, best known in the pop community, for his 1958 novelty hit "Purple People Eater." However in the country & western genre he was the real deal, garnering several hit, country records.

Wooley, born in Erick, Oklahoma, and was reared on a farm. He learned how to ride horses at a young age, and was a working cowboy and rodeo rider. He also played in a country-western band. During World War II, Wooley was turned down for service because of his rodeo injuries. At one time he worked in the oil industry and as a welder. In 1946, he moved to Fort Worth, Texas and became a country and western musician.