Ray Benson

Asleep at the Wheel Leader Takes A Solo Spin

For three decades Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel have been the kings of Western Swing. Their music has earned them seven Grammy Awards and they've kept the music alive for old fans and new converts. After drifting around the country for awhile in the early '70s, the band set up camp in Bob Wills country -- deep in the heart of Texas. By mixing jazz, blues, rock and country, the band soon became a hit with fans of the outlaw country music movement. Since then, Benson has carved his own niche in the country music world and has filled it with a formidable body of work: 22 albums!

Now Benson is stepping out from behind the wheel to release his first solo album. The April release, Beyond Time (Koch/Audium Records) features 12 cuts all written by Benson except for one cover, Marty Robbin's "El Paso." Benson is joined on the album by some longtime friends and fans, including Dolly Parton, Delbert McClinton, Jimmie Vaughan and guitarist Stanley Jordan. For those who can't get enough of Benson's music, Capitol Records is also releasing Asleep at the Wheel's 20 Greatest Hits.

Ray's website: www.asleepatthewheel.com