JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) -- Rockabilly performer Bobby Lee Trammell, whose varied career led him from recording the "Arkansas Twist" to getting elected to the Arkansas state House of Representatives, has died. He was 74.

According to Roller Funeral Homes, Trammell died last night at his home in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Trammell was known for wild gyrations and a rambunctiousness that would incite audiences and get him in trouble with promoters and authorities. He never gained the popularity of other stars from the broader region, such as Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis.

According to a biography of Trammell, he sought fame in California early in his career, after growing impatient with Sam Phillips at Sun Records in Memphis. Trammell made the move after Phillips told him to keep practicing and come back in a few weeks.

He continued performing, though most of his dates were in Europe in recent years.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)