Ray Benson

Ray Benson Seifert(born March 16, 1951) is an American musician, actor and voice actor who is the frontman of theWestern swingbandAsleep at the Wheel.

Ray Benson
Ray Benson performing in April 2008
Background information
Birth name	Ray Benson Seifert
Born	(1951-03-16)March 16, 1951
Origin	Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,U.S.
Genres	Western swing country
Occupations	Singer songwriter actor voice actor record producer
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Years active	1969–present
Labels	Arista Nashville,Bismeaux
Member of	Asleep at the Wheel
Website	raybenson

Biography

Ray Benson performing in April 2009

Benson was raisedJewish.In 1970, Benson, a native ofPhiladelphia,formed Asleep at the Wheel with friendsLucky Oceansand Leroy Preston in Paw Paw, West Virginia. They were soon joined by Gene Dobkin, a classmate of Benson's atAntioch College,and Chris O'Connell. The group relocated toAustinin 1973 after a suggestion fromWillie Nelson.Since then, the group has released more than twenty albums and earned nineGrammyawards.

Benson released one solo single, "Four Scores and Seven Beers Ago", viaArista Nashvillein 1991.

In addition to his work with Asleep at the Wheel, Benson is also a record producer whose credits include albums byDale Watson,Suzy Bogguss,Aaron Watson,James Hand andCarolyn Wonderland;also single tracks for Willie Nelson,Aaron Neville,Brad Paisley,Pam Tillis,Trace Adkins,Merle Haggard,andVince Gill.

In 2003, Benson released his first solo album entitledBeyond Time.

Benson is also a founding member of theRhythm and Blues Foundation,which raises money to help agingR&Bartists, and a member of the board of directors of the SIMS Foundation, which provides low-cost mental health services to Austin musicians and their families. He is also a trustee for the Texas chapter ofNARAS,a board member of St Davids Community Health Foundation, and a board member and founding member of Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM).

Ray Benson is the former host of theTexas Music SceneTV 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 TV, which showcases Texas bands.

"A Ride With Bob"

In the Spring of 2005, Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel began the production of "A Ride With Bob" that follows the travels of legendary singer/songwriterBob Wills.A Ride With Bob includes the live performance of 15 of Wills’ best-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.

Awards

Benson has been presented numerous awards throughout his career. Most recently, the 16th Annual Midsouth Regional Emmy Award for the making of "A Ride With Bob", an Honorary Junior Member of the United States Secret Service, and the Darrel K. Royal Music Patron Award by The Texas Heritage Songwriters' Association. In 2007, the Austin Chronicle recognized Benson for Male Vocals, Band of the Year, Songwriter, Record Producer, and for the Country Genre. Benson was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 2002, was given The Texas Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996, and recognized as an Outstanding Producer by the National Academy of Recording Arts in 1988. He has also been given numerous Citations of Achievement by Broadcast Music, Inc. for his work in the country music field. Ray Benson has been one of the strongest names in Country Music for the last forty years. He has earned nine Grammy awards in four different decades.

Willie And The Wheel

In February 2009, Asleep at the Wheel and Willie Nelson releasedWillie and the Wheel,a western swing collaboration suggested by veteran producerJerry Wexler.Nelson has a long-time interest in western swing and had toured with the band in 2007.Paul Shafferand Vince Gill also perform on this album.

Filmography

• Roadie(1980)...Ray Benson
• Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect(1990)...Sir Woodrow(voice)
• Never Leave Nevada(1990)... Composer
• Wild Texas Wind(1991)... Ray Benson

Discography

See also:Asleep at the Wheel

Albums

Title	Album details
Beyond Time	Release date: June 24, 2003 Label: Audium/Koch Records
A Little Piece	Release date: January 21, 2014 Label: Bismeaux Records
Songs from a Stolen Spring(Compilation)	Release date: October 18, 2014 Label:Valley Entertainment/Kirkelig Kulturverksted

Singles

Year	Single	Peak positions
		US Country
1991	"Four Scores and Seven Beers Ago"	67

External links

• http:// asleepatthewheel
• Ray Benson InterviewatNAMM Oral History Collection(2011)