Asleep at the Wheel is the name of an Austin, Texas based
Western swing band, winner of nine Grammy Awards. More than 80
performers have been a part of the band over the
course of their career, but the core band members are Ray Benson
(guitar), Jason Roberts (fiddle), David Sanger (drums), David Miller
(bass), John Whitby (piano), Haydn Vitera (fiddle) and Eddie Rivers
(steel guitar).
More about Asleep at the Wheel.
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Asleep at the Wheel's name is derived from the expression to describe that one has fallen asleep while driving a vehicle. It can also describe someone who is blissfully unaware of what's going on around them.
Asleep at the Wheel was created in Paw Paw, West Virginia in 1970. They moved to California to get a record deal, then relocated to Austin in 1973, at the suggestion of Willie Nelson. Hit singles soon followed, including "The Letter That Johnny Walker Read", "One O'Clock Jump" and more. In 1977, they were named "Best Country & Western Band" by Rolling Stone magazine, as well as "Touring Band of the Year" by the Academy of Country Music.
A 1993 tribute album, entitled Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills, featured performances from Garth Brooks, George Strait and Vince Gill. The album went high on the charts, introducing many new fans to Asleep at the Wheel's music.