Asleep at the Wheel

In February of 1974 Asleep at the Wheel made the move from the Bay Area to Austin, Texas after receiving encouragement from Willie Nelson and Doug Sahm to relocate – the band settled in and made Austin their home, where they remain 50 years later. "Austin was and has been everything I could have ever wished for and more," says Ray Benson, the band's leader and only original member. "It's been 55 years for AATW as a band, and 50 of them have been spent in Texas. We are known worldwide for being a Texas band and playing Texas and Western Swing music. It brings us great pride to carry this torch and responsibility. We don't take it lightly!" Asleep at the Wheel's lineup is ever changing. Since 1970 the band has had over 100 members come through. In the past, when a new lineup comes together, a new album has emerged. That still remains true. Photo by Andrew Dalton.