Ray Benson

Ray Benson, founder and leader of Asleep at the Wheel, has been a key figure in preserving classic western swing since the 1970s. Born in 1951, Benson's eclectic music taste led him to form the band after being inspired by Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen. As Asleep at the Wheel gained success, Benson also became a prominent figure in Texas music, with various solo projects and collaborations contributing to his legacy.

Over the years, Asleep at the Wheel, with Benson at the helm, became a renowned country act, winning multiple Grammy awards and performing with music icons like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. Benson's influence extended beyond music as he ventured into recording, founding a studio and label, and engaging in various music-related ventures. Alongside his band endeavors, Benson released solo albums and co-authored an autobiography, showcasing his enduring dedication to preserving and promoting western swing music.