When Young Texas Artists (YTA) holds its classical music competition finals on March 8, Texas music legend Ray Benson will be there to serve as master of ceremonies.
Benson, a ten-time Grammy Award winner and founder of Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, is helping YTA celebrate its 40th anniversary — he’ll also perform at YTA’s After-Party that night.
“Ray Benson epitomizes Texas music, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that he’ll be part of an evening showcasing YTA’s 40-year legacy in the Lone Star State,” YTA President/CEO Susie Moore Pokorski said.
As the driving force behind Asleep at the Wheel for more than 50 years, Benson has overseen the release of more than 30 albums. The band’s musical style, Western swing, melds traditional fiddle tunes, jazz, blues, and Big Band influences. Western swing was popularized by musician and songwriter Bob Wills in the 1930s, but many credit Benson and Asleep at the Wheel with inspiring new generations to enjoy and perform it.
These days, Asleep at the Wheel plays about 130 gigs a year, but for Benson, it’s just one part of his ever-busy schedule.
Going Strong
Also a successful producer, Benson has worked with such artists as Willie Nelson, The Avett Brothers, George Strait, Brennen Leigh and Suzy Bogguss.
In 2015, Benson published a book, “Comin’ Right at Ya: How a Jewish Yankee Hippie Went Country, or, the Often Outrageous History of Asleep at the Wheel,” co-written with music critic David Menconi.
“Ray Benson has a ridiculous work ethic, and he has something in him that people love to watch,” Dave Sanger, the Wheel’s drummer since 1986, told Texas Highways magazine.
And there’s more. Benson hosts “Ray’s Roadhouse” on RFD TV. The half-hour live performance show features some of the best talent in Country and Americana Music. Ray also hosts a weekly radio show, “Austin Outer Limits,” on Sirius XM’s “Willie’s Roadhouse” every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Texas Icon
Benson’s contributions and impact on the Lone Star State have not gone unnoticed. In 2004, he succeeded classical pianist James Dick — who was honored at YTA’s 2024 Classic Cabaret celebration — as the State Musician of Texas.
The affection is mutual. As Benson once put it, “I came to Texas to be a Texan, simple as that. I always felt just such a welcome from the folks here.”
Additional honors, at the state and regional levels, include 2011 Texan of the Year, 2011 Texas Medal of the Arts Award for Multimedia, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association, and the TEC Les Paul Award.
An Advocate and Philanthropist
As a Texan, Benson has demonstrated a commitment to making the state a better place.
He is an active advocate and founding board member for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) and serves on the board of St. David’s Foundation, one of the largest health foundations in the United States.
What’s more, Benson played a pivotal role in establishing the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame and serves on the board of Texas Dance Hall Preservation, Inc., created to preserve the historic dance halls of Texas.
He also donated his archive to the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University.
Benson’s advocacy extends to arts education in Texas. In 2019, he testified in support of House Bill 3344, which aimed to elevate fine arts programs into the ‘Foundation’ curriculum alongside core subjects like English and mathematics.
In a unique initiative, Benson lent his voice to Austin’s Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) in 2023. Pedestrians at busy intersections can now hear Benson’s voice guiding them when it’s safe to cross, a measure aimed at improving safety for visually impaired community members and raising general awareness about pedestrian safety.
Looking Ahead
As Benson continues to tour with Asleep at the Wheel and contribute to various causes, his impact on Texas music, culture, and community well-being remains profound. His involvement with YTA’s 40th anniversary celebration is a testament to his ongoing commitment to preserving the rich musical heritage of the Lone Star State.