Asleep at the Wheel profile picture

Asleep at the Wheel

Happy Trails to You

About Me


Over the course of the last 37 years, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel have boldly defied the fickle lures of the mainstream -- and thrived -- by sticking to their noble cause of keeping that distinctly American of art forms, western swing, alive and kicking. Along the way, they've been awarded nine Grammys, entertained millions and won praise and admiration from the likes of Willie Nelson to Bob Dylan, George Strait to Van Morrison. Asleep at the Wheel has been called the “post-modern kings of western swing,” and given their storied history, it is a title that few would question.
Asleep at the Wheel is an American musical institution: a kinship of like-minded musicians (over 80 members to date) united under Benson's crusade to carry the torch of big band western swing music into the 21st century. Case and point is the latest lineup, which is not only spectacularly talented but also noticeably youthful. As Ray reflects, “It is amazing to me at this point in 2006 compared to 1970 when I started the band. My whole intent was to bring the music back to my generation. We’ve done what we set out to do and it’s just grown. Now, we have a whole new generation doing it, and we have a whole new band.”
The result is the brand new CD Reinventing the Wheel, the first feature release from the band in seven years and a fitting title for the band’s return to its roots, albeit with some fresh faces. As newest member and vocalist Elizabeth McQueen suggests, “…it’s come full circle and it’s back to that original review concept of Asleep at the Wheel, with lots of different styles of music and different singers trading off, which makes it really great.” –John Wooley

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 10/12/2005
Band Website: asleepatthewheel.com
Band Members: Ray Benson - Lead and Vocals
Jason Roberts - Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin and Vocals
Eddie Rivers - Steel Guitar and Sax
David Miller - Bass and Vocals
David Sanger - Drums
Elizabeth McQueen - Guitar and Vocals
John Michael Whitby - Piano

View Asleep at the Wheel's EPK

Influences: Texas, Bob Wills, Count Basie, Jazz, Blues, The Road

Am I Right (Or Amarillo)

Murder She Rode Act 1

Murder She Rode Act 2

Sounds Like:
Jazz meets Country and Blues = Western Swing

Check out our two new releases!

Buy the CD Now!

iTunes users, click the link below to go directly to our page in the iTunes Music Store.
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Buy the CD Now!

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Record Label: Bismeaux
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Hot Rod Lincoln 50th Anniversary Show

Last Friday we had the priveldge of sharing the stage (once again) with Commander Cody for the 50th Anniversary of Hot Rod Lincoln. Unfortunatley the songwriter, Charlie Ryan, passed away earlier in t...
Posted by Asleep at the Wheel on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:19:00 PST

Hot Rod Lincoln 50th Anniversary Show

Last Friday we had the priveldge of sharing the stage (once again) with Commander Cody for the 50th Anniversary of Hot Rod Lincoln. Unfortunatley the songwriter, Charlie Ryan, passed away earlier in t...
Posted by Asleep at the Wheel on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:17:00 PST

Some Funny Stories About Willie

In this month's Texas Monthly Magazine, I got interviewed on a wide range of "Willie Topics." It's worth a read!Dave and Elizabeth were recently featured on a video from Darlyn Hall entitled 'Daryl's ...
Posted by Asleep at the Wheel on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:35:00 PST

ACL Fest 2008

Yup. We are back for another year at ACL Fest. We are very happy to be sharing the stage with so many other great artists. If it goes like every other year we have played...looks like we will be playi...
Posted by Asleep at the Wheel on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:51:00 PST

Cal I For Ni A

Hey Guys! I uploaded some pictures from the road. Check it out here: Wheels on Tha BusThanks! We are having a blast on the west coast. EMQ...
Posted by Asleep at the Wheel on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:49:00 PST

Review of the Long Center Concert

Review: Texas night at the Long Center with Willie, Lyle and Ray Benson, among othersBy John T. Davis | Monday, March 31, 2008, 11:24 AM The last time I saw Willie Nelson, a little more than three wee...
Posted by Asleep at the Wheel on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:27:00 PST

SXSW Party Review

March 13, 2008http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/sxsw/2008/03/birth day_barbecue_and_hot_lick.htmlby John GoodspeedBirthday, barbecue and hot licks  Ray Benson knows how to partyYou never know who ...
Posted by Asleep at the Wheel on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:28:00 PST

Barely Political

Click here for a video with us in it. We are only in it for a couple seconds around the 2:50 mark.Warning....this is for Obama fans only. It is quite silly. Ha!Ray was on KGSR this morning. Anyone cat...
Posted by Asleep at the Wheel on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:28:00 PST

The Long Center Grand Opening

Click the picture for more info. ...
Posted by Asleep at the Wheel on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:08:00 PST

The Barack Obama Video with AATW - Boogie Back to Texas

What a hoot! Obama BoogieUploaded by dollarsandsense123For a two minute version please click here...
Posted by Asleep at the Wheel on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:45:00 PST