Asleep at the Wheel

Asleep at the Wheel is a successful country music formation that is since the early 1970s in the business and their music is expected to Western Swing. In her long career with numerous personnel reshuffles and label changes, she was awarded a total of eight Grammy Awards.

History

Asleep at the Wheel have been established, the drummer Leroy Preston and Steel guitarist Reuben Gosfield (born 22 April 1951) in late 1969 by singer and guitarist Ray Benson ( born March 16 in Philadelphia 1951). A little later they were joined by the guitarist and singer Chris O'Donnell ( born March 22, 1953 in Williamsport, Maryland) at.

1971 Joe Kerr her manager and keyboardist Floyd Domino was set. The band moved to San Francisco, where she was hired by Berkeley 's Longbranch Saloon. After they had made ​​a name in the local scene, the group in 1972 by United Artists Records received a recording contract. After publication of the first, but unsuccessful album Comin ' Right at Ya, they moved to Austin, Texas in 1974. The second album was released in 1974 with the Epic label. It covered a broad musical spectrum that ranged from traditional country to blues to jazz. With the single Choo Choo Ch'Boogie first time a chart success are recognized.

Career

After Lisa Silver and Bobby Womack two other musicians had joined the group in 1975 they switched to the Capitol label. Several successful singles were released from the album Texas gold, of which The Letter That Johnny Walker Red was able to place in the top 10. The next album, in 1976 with some new musicians rehearsed Wheelin ' And Dealin ' achieved high sales figures. Again several successful singles were released. The song Route 66 received a Grammy nomination. Asleep at the Wheel now comprised 11 band members. The group had become a sought-after live act and undertook numerous tours. 1978 her instrumental piece One O'Clock Jump was awarded a Grammy.

In 1980, there was a greater personnel reshuffle. The reduced to nine heads group then consisted of Ray Benson, Chris O'Donnel, Reuben Gosfield, Danny Levin, Pat Ryan and new members John Nicholas, Walter Horton, Spencer Starnes and Fran Christina. Upon completion of the reorganization and a change to the MCA label, however, a long dry spell had to be overcome, which lasted until the mid-1980s. To survive financially, the band was forced to produce advertising photographs and film music. Only in 1987 could be tied back to the old success after switching to Epic label. The single House of Blue Lights was also placed in the top 20 and there was again a Grammy for an instrumental piece.

After further personnel changes, the album Western Standard Time was produced in 1988. The single from the Sugarfoot Rag was awarded a Grammy. In 1989, Asleep at the Wheel at London's Wembley festival part. After a change to the Arista label and other successful albums in 1993 there was again a significant human reorganization. The founding members Reuben Gosfield and Chris O'Donnel got out. Ray Benson was only still in the process of the original cast.

In 1995 there was the occasion of the 25th anniversary of a big concert in Austin, which was attended by, amongst a number of regards, country scene many former band members. Over the years, were about 80 musicians member of Asleep at the Wheel. However, the sound has remained relatively constant. Noteworthy is also the continuous label change.

Discography ( albums)

Awards (selection)