Asleep at the Wheel, an American country music group, has been a prominent fixture in the roots music scene for over five decades. Founded in 1970 on a farm in Paw Paw, West Virginia, the band later made its mark in Austin, Texas. Led by the indomitable Ray Benson, Asleep at the Wheel has garnered nine Grammy Awards since its inception and released more than twenty albums. Their musical journey has been punctuated by over 21 singles charting on the Billboard country charts. Notably, their highest-charting single, "The Letter That Johnny Walker Read," reached No. 10 in 1975 .
In the late 1960s, Ray Benson and Lucky Oceans co-founded Asleep at the Wheel in Paw Paw, West Virginia. Their early days saw them opening for artists like Alice Cooper and Hot Tuna in Washington, D.C.. After relocating to East Oakland, California, they caught the attention of Van Morrison and secured a record deal with United Artists. In 1974, they made their way to Austin, where they would become a mainstay on PBS's Austin City Limits, performing a record-setting ten times. The band's blend of country, progressive country, rockabilly, and Western swing resonated with audiences, earning them accolades such as Best Country Western Band by Rolling Stone and Touring Band of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.
The 1980s brought both challenges and opportunities for Asleep at the Wheel. Despite lineup changes and financial struggles, they continued to produce music. Their soundtrack for the film Liar's Moon showcased their versatility. By the end of the decade, they recorded their first live album, Served Live, at the Austin Opera House. Through it all, Ray Benson's leadership and the band's commitment to their unique blend of genres kept them going. Asleep at the Wheel remains a testament to the enduring spirit of American roots music, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation
In the decades since their inception, Asleep at the Wheel has continued to ride the waves of American roots music. Their unwavering commitment to their unique blend of country, rockabilly, and Western swing has kept them relevant and beloved by fans. The band’s lineup has evolved over time, but the indomitable spirit of their founder, Ray Benson, remains at the helm. As they traverse the 21st century, Asleep at the Wheel continues to tour, record, and captivate audiences with their timeless sound. Their legacy endures as a testament to the enduring spirit of musical innovation and tradition, bridging the gap between past and present, and inspiring generations of listeners along the way.