Asleep At the Wheel: One of My Favorites

From Reuters.

Like they say, "Western Swing Ain't Dead, It's Asleep At the Wheel."

And I have about ten of their CDs to show I'm a fan and have seen them once in a great show at Woodstock, Illinois' Opera House.  Now that was some big fun.

And, they've been singing those great Western Swing songs for 42 years ever since front man, 6'7" tall Ray Benson, started the group in 1970 in, get this, Paw Paw, West Virginia.  Back  then, he had no idea the group would still be around, though I believe he is the only original member and it has had a bit of a revolving door for other members.

In the process, they have wracked up nine Grammy Awards, released more than 25 albums, recently performed with Willie Nelson, and even released an album with him.

Two years ago, the band celebrated its 40th anniversary and Benson's 59th birthday, at an invitation-only party March 16th in Austin.  I was NOT invited.

In 1970, the band opened for Alice Cooper and Hot Tuna.

In 1973, Asleep At the Wheel moved to Austin, Texas, at the invitation of Doug Sahm and Willie Nelson.

Of course, featuring Western Swing as they do, they play a lot of Bob Wills music.

Bob Would Be So Proud.  --RoadDog

Answers for yesterday's WHICH CAME FIRST:

Pressure Cooker (1690), Zipper (1893),  Pop-Up Toaster (1930), Electric Blender (1963)