Career
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. 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.
In 2003, Benson released his first solo album entitled Beyond Time.
Ray Benson is the host of the Texas Music Scene television 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.
Later he had the opportunity to work with executive producer Tom Hoitsma to host the Texas Music Scene television, which showcases Texas bands. Benson is 6 feet, 7 inches tall with size 16 Electronic Educational Environment feet.
In the Spring of 2005, Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel began the production of that follows the travels of legendary singer/songwriter Bob Wills.
A Ride With Bob 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. The play continues to tour throughout the country. In February 2009, Asleep at the Wheel and Willie Nelson released "," a western swing collaboration suggested by veteran producer Jerry Wexler.
Nelson has a long-time interest in western swing and had toured with the band in 2007.
Paul Shaffer and Vince Gill also perform on this album.