Typically featuring eight to 11 musicians, the group has gone through myriad personnel changes (at last count, over 80 members had passed through their ranks), but 6'7" frontman Ray Benson has held it together for four decades, keeping Asleep at the Wheel a viable recording and touring concern and maintaining their devotion to classic-style Western swing. Ray Benson is the front man of the Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, as well as an actor, and voice actor, In 1970, Benson, a Jewish native of Philadelphia, formed Asleep at the Wheel with friends Lucky Oceans and Leroy Preston, The group relocated to Austin in 1973 after a suggestion from Willie Nelson, Since then, the group has released more than 20 albums and earned 9 Grammy awards, In addition to his work with Asleep at the Wheel, Benson is also an accomplished producer whose credits include albums by Dale Watson, Suzy Bogguss, Aaron Watson, James Hand and Carolyn Wonderland; also single tracks for Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Brad Paisley, Pam Tillis, Trace Adkins, Merle Haggard, and Vince Gill, In 2003, Benson released his first solo album entitled Beyond Time, Benson is also a founding member of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, which raises money to help aging R&B artists, and a member of the board of directors of the SIMS Foundation, which provides low-cost mental health services to Austin musicians and their families, Ray Benson is the host of the Texas Music Scene TV show, In an interview, Benson said that when he was on the Board of Directors for Austin City Limits, he urged them to start a spin-off show that focused on Texas bands because Austin City Limits had grown beyond its original scope to become an international show. Ray has been at the helm of the group every night. Ray Benson is the front man of the Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel. His band is big, too. The group relocated to Austin in 1973 after a suggestion from Willie Nelson . We are currently in process of looking up information on the previous dates and hookups. Benson quit … Asleep at the Wheel Swings Hall of Fame by Daniel Cooper 12/20/2001 Standing 6 feet and a zillion inches tall, Asleep at the Wheel leader Ray Benson, all … "We wanted to break that mold," said Benson. It has the stunning vocals of Chris O'Connell on several tracks. Asleep at the Wheel landed a gig opening for Alice Cooper and Hot Tuna in Washington, DC in 1970. 2. Founder and leader Ray Benson is second from the right, in the back. Willie Nelson helped Benson's band find its footing, suggesting that they move to Austin. The play continues to tour throughout the country. The show will be available up to 7 days after the performance for on demand streaming. With his band Asleep at the Wheel, the life Benson loves really is making music with his friends. A look into Ray Benson's net worth, money and current earnings. In an interview, Benson said that when he was on the Board of Directors for Austin City Limits, he urged them to start a spin-off show that focused on Texas bands because Austin City Limits had grown beyond its original scope to become an international show. Asleep At The Wheel Tour View All. He practically had to get onto his knees to take care of his business.). In 1985, the band released a virtually ignored self-titled album. And I was petrified. Nat Hentoff, Famous Jazz Critic and Activist from Boston Dies at 91. He remained with Asleep at the Wheel after more than ninety different members came and went. She is no longer with Asleep at the Wheel, but most likely still has their logo tattooed on her right arm, and was arguably their best vocalist ever; 4. Asleep at the Wheel gathered a large amount of debt that required it to work on commercials and movie soundtracks. Benson was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 2002, was given The Texas Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996, and recognized as an Outstanding Producer by the National Academy of Recording Arts in 1988. Asleep at the Wheel has seen miles and miles of Texas, and they got their kicks on Route 66. Family Life. Asleep at the Wheel started rolling in 1970, and never stopped. Which Famous Western Swing Musician is Jewish, 6’7″” Tall, and Wears Size 16 EEE boots? All rights reserved. It has Ray Benson vocals and guitar as well as several classic sidemen at the height of Asleep at the Wheel's long career; 3. Though the band’s lineup has changed greatly over the years (about 90 people have been part of Asleep at the Wheel at some point), Benson has always remained at the helm as the band’s driving force. The play continues to tour throughout the country. Jan 30 2021 08:00 PM Luckenbach Texas . At the height of Vietnam, many Americans were using their choice of music to express their stance on the conflict in southeast Asia. Due to his preference to keep his work in the limelight, Ray Benson has not revealed Girlfriend name or relationship status at the moment. This band produced the soundtrack for the film Liar's Moon. This genre mixes country instrumentation & big band music with a fabulous and swingin’ results. San Antonio, TX . Asleep at the Wheel landed a gig opening for Alice Cooper and Hot Tuna in Washington, DC in 1970. On March 19, Benson served as host of a livestream event that replaced this year’s planned Luck Reunion . He is also a trustee for the Texas chapter of NARAS, a board member of St Davids Community Health Foundation, and a board member and founding member of Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM). NASHVILLE (Billboard) - When Asleep at the Wheel frontman Ray Benson started a band in Paw Paw, West Virginia, in 1970, he had no idea that … "We wanted to break that mold," said Benson. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Which “Sweet-Band” Leader Was a Speed Boat Champion. Nelson has a long-time interest in western swing and had toured with the band in over the years. Which British Musician Extraordinaire Took His Name from an American Naval Hero? Read More. Ray has been at the helm of the group every night. Read More. Discover how much the famous Country Singer is worth in 2021. Ray Benson Height, Weight & Body Measurements Ray Benson height 7 Feet 1 Inches (Approx) & weight 304 l() (Approx.). ( Log Out /  A Ride With Bob includes the live performance of 15 of Wills’ best-known songs in a plot that interweaves Ray Benson’s present day with various stages in Wills’ storied career. Ray Benson was born on March 16, 1951 in PA. he is one of the most successful Country Singer. Ray Benson is a big guy. A play by the same name Which includes the live performance of 15 of Wills’ most well-known songs in a plot that interweaves Ray Benson’s present day with various stages in Wills’ storied career. ( Log Out /  Which Influential Blues Pioneer’s Band Members Were the Inspiration for Reg Dwight’s (Elton John) Stage Name? Associated With. Later he had the opportunity to work with executive producer Tom Hoitsma to host the Texas Music Scene TV, which showcases Texas bands. Which “Smooth Operator” had the Pronunciation of her Name on the Album Cover. Fredericksburg, TX . Dale Watson. Asleep at the Wheel landed a gig opening for Alice Cooper and Hot Tuna in Washington, DC in 1970. Benson is also a founding member of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, which raises money to help aging  R&B artists, and a member of the board of directors of the SIMS Foundation, which provides low-cost mental health services to Austin musicians and their families. In 1970, Benson, a Jewish native of Philadelphia, formed Asleep at the Wheel with friends Lucky Oceans and Leroy Preston. From Paw Paw to San Francisco to Austin, we’ve seen it all,” says Wheel front man Ray Benson. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Change ), 1970, Benson, a Jewish  native of Philadelphia, formed. In February 2009, Asleep at the Wheel and Willie Nelson released “Willie and the Wheel,” a western swing collaboration suggested by veteran producer Jerry Wexler. Which Brilliant Jazz Saxophonist’s Music was Deemed so Holy that he had a Church Named After Him? Benson is In 1970, Benson, a Jewish native of Philadelphia, formed Asleep at the Wheel with friends Lucky Oceans and Leroy Preston The group relocated to Austin in 1973 after a suggestion from Willie Nelson Since then, the group has released more than 20 albums and earned 9 Grammy awards Ray is all of six feet, seven inches tall with the biggest feet I’ve ever seen in person. In addition to his work with Asleep at the Wheel Benson has produced recordings for  Willie Nelson,  Merle Haggard, Aaron Neville, Brad Paisley, Pam Tillis, Trace Adkins, Suzy Bogguss and Vince Gill. He's tall, which he augments with cowboy hat and boots, his voice is resonates in the sub- octaves, and when we shook hands mine was engulfed and nearly disappeared. Ray Benson Seifert (born March 16, 1951) has been the front man/ singer/ songwriter/ funny guy of the legendary Western swing band, Asleep at the Wheel, for over 40 years.Since that time, well over 100 musicians have been a member of the band at some point. His cowboy boots appeared to be large … ( Log Out /  Since that time, well over 100 musicians have been a member of the band at some point. 2. Robert Plant once said he is the only man he looks up to; he has no other choice. Feb 12 2021 08:00 PM San Antonio Rodeo . © 2021 wikifame.org. Most recently, the 16th Annual Mid-South Regional Emmy Award for the making of “A Ride With Bob”, an Honorary Junior Member of the United States Secret Service, and the Darrel K. Royal Music Patron Award by The Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association. Tickets . Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. By the late 1980s, Ray Benson had done some producing, allowing the band a second chance with Epic Records. The real Jewish king of country music, however, is Ray Benson, the nine-time Grammy-winning leader of the country western swing band Asleep at the Wheel. See Asleep At The Wheel and Dale Watson: Texas Dance Hall Tour on Saturday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arvada Center Outdoor Amphitheatre as part of their Summer Stage Concert Series. In 1970, singer and guitarist Ray Benson formed Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel while farmsitting in the tiny town of Paw Paw, West Virginia. He has also been given numerous Citations of Achievement by Broadcast Music, Inc. for his work in the country music field. Ray Benson is the host of the Texas Music Scene TV Show. In the Spring of 2005, Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel began the production of "A Ride With Bob" that follows the travels of legendary singer/songwriter Bob Wills. Ray Benson Dating. ( Log Out /  Tickets . Ray Benson Seifert (born March 16, 1951) has been  the front man/ singer/ songwriter/ funny guy of the legendary Western swing band, Asleep at the Wheel, for over 40 years. We track celebrity net worth so you don't have to. Since its inception, the Asleep at the Wheel has released more than 20 albums and earned 9 Grammy awards, Ray has is 6 feet, 7 inches tall with size 16 EEE feet. Right now we don't know about body measurements. It has Ray Benson vocals and guitar as well as several classic sidemen at the height of Asleep at the Wheel's long career; 3. At the height of Vietnam, many Americans were using their choice of music to express their stance on the conflict in southeast Asia. ... laying on the floor and propped in corners. We will be playing your favorite Asleep at the Wheel classics and holiday songs from our 3 Christmas records all from the Texas North Pole! Asleep at the Wheel  has released three album by that Founder of Western Swing. 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