List of Asleep at the Wheel members

Asleep at the Wheel is an American country band based in Austin, Texas. Formed in Paw Paw, West Virginia in 1970, the group originally consisted of vocalist and guitarist Ray Benson, vocalist and drummer LeRoy Preston, steel guitarist Lucky Oceans and pianist Danny Levin, who were joined later by bassist Gene Dobkin, and vocalist and guitarist Chris O'Connell. The band's current lineup includes Benson alongside drummer David Sanger (since 1986), vocalist and fiddler Katie Shore (since 2014), fiddler and mandolinist Dennis Ludiker (since 2016), pianist and keyboardist Connor Forsyth (since 2016), and bassist Josh Hoag (since 2017).

Asleep at the Wheel performing in 2019.

History

1970–1980

Asleep at the Wheel (AATW) was originally formed in January 1970 in Paw Paw, West Virginia.[1] The band's initial lineup featured lead vocalist and guitarist Ray Benson, second vocalist and drummer LeRoy Preston, pedal and lap steel guitarist Lucky Oceans (real name Reuben Gosfield), and pianist Danny Levin.[2] By the time they made their live debut a few months after forming, the band included Gene Dobkin on upright and electric bass, replacing Richard Fitzhugh who left after he "kind of went nuts", according to Benson.[3] By the end of the year the group had added two female backing vocalists, Chris O'Connell and Emily Paxton, although the latter had to leave after a few months due to "family matters".[4] In August 1971, the band relocated to Oakland, California and Levin remained in West Virginia.[5]

AATW reached its commercial peak in 1975, when "The Letter That Johnny Walker Read" reached the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart top ten.

After adding pianist Floyd Domino (real name Jim Haber) to the lineup in 1972,[6] AATW signed with United Artists Records and issued its debut album Comin' Right at Ya the following year.[7] In February 1974, the group moved to Austin, Texas.[8] Dobkin was replaced by Tony Garnier,[9] Richard Casanova joined on fiddle,[10] and in the summer the group released its self-titled second album on Epic Records.[11] The next year saw the release of Texas Gold on Capitol Records, featuring original pianist Levin returning on fiddle, new drummer Scott Hennige (Preston switched to rhythm guitar) and saxophonist Ed Vizard.[12][13] For the 1976 album Wheelin' and Dealin', the group added second fiddler Bill Mabry and replaced Vizard with Link Davis Jr.[14] Shortly after its release, Chris York replaced Hennige and Pat "Taco" Ryan joined on saxophone.[15]

Two years and two more albums (The Wheel and Collision Course) for Capitol later, AATW suffered its first major lineup change in September 1978 when Preston, Domino and Mabry all left the band.[16] Johnny Nicholas took over rhythm guitar and piano duties, and the band reduced to a nine-piece lineup.[17] By December the group was an eight-piece following the departure of Davis, while Garnier and York had been replaced by Spencer Starnes and Fran Christina, respectively.[18] After the band released its first live album Served Live, Starnes was replaced by Dean DeMerritt.[19] Shortly thereafter, Lucky Oceans left the band to move to Australia with his family.[20]

1980–2000

In early 1980, AATW added vocalist Maryann Price and replaced steel guitarist Lucky Oceans with Bobby Black.[21] Later in the year, O'Connell took a temporary leave of absence from full-time touring,[22] and was replaced by Brenda Burns.[23] Several members left after a show on the final day of 1980, including Johnny Nicholas.[24] The group returned in early 1981 with new members Dan Tyack on pedal steel guitar, Falkner Evans on piano, Billy Estes on drums and Paul Anastasio on fiddle.[25] By the summer, Burns, Tyack, Estes and Pat "Taco" Ryan had been replaced by Jann Browne, Wally Murphy, Steve Schwelling and Michael Francis, respectively.[26][27][28]

By summer 1982, the lineup of AATW featured Anastasio's brother Tom on bass and Roy McCrory on drums.[29] Richard Hormachea replaced McCrory a few months later.[30] Browne had left by 1983 as O'Connell returned full-time,[26] and during 1984 Billy Cochran replaced Paul Anastasio.[31] By early 1985, the band featured Junior Brown on lap steel guitar, Tim Alexander on piano, Mike Grammar on drums and Larry Franklin on fiddle.[32] That year, the band issued Pasture Prime, its first album in five years, which featured contributions from several of the 1981–85 lineups.[33] In 1986, O'Connell left AATW after becoming pregnant with her second child.[34]

Later in 1986, AATW signed with Epic Records again and recorded 10,[35] which saw the debut of steel guitarist John Ely, bassist David Dawson and drummer David Sanger.[36] In summer 1988, Dawson was replaced by Jon Mitchell.[37] Ricky Turpin took over from Franklin in 1991,[38] and shortly after the release of Greatest Hits: Live & Kickin' the next year, Ely, Mitchell and Sanger were replaced by Cindy Cashdollar, David Miller and Tommy Beavers, respectively.[22][39] Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys followed in 1993, after which Barbara Lamb of Ranch Romance replaced Turpin and Sanger returned on drums.[40][41] After the release of The Wheel Keeps on Rollin' in 1995, Lamb was replaced by Monty Gaylord.[42] Jason Roberts (fiddle, mandolin) and Chris Booher (piano, fiddle) joined AATW the next year, followed by Rosie Flores (vocals, rhythm guitar) in April 1997.[43][44] After Flores departed, the band issued Merry Texas Christmas, Y'all in 1997 and a second tribute album, Ride with Bob, in 1999.[22]

Vocalist and guitarist Ray Benson has remained the sole constant member of AATW since its formation.

2000–present

By the spring of 2000, John Michael Whitby had taken over from Chris Booher on piano.[45] After the release of The Very Best of Asleep at the Wheel in 2001, Cindy Cashdollar left to pursue other projects.[46] She was replaced by Jim Murphy.[47] Later in the year, long-term saxophonist Michael Francis also left, with Murphy taking over saxophone duties.[48] In early 2003, Haydn Vitera joined to give the band a two-fiddler lineup for the first time since 1978, debuting on that year's Live at Billy Bob's Texas and Remembers the Alamo.[49][50] Eddie Rivers replaced Murphy in June 2004.[51] Just under a year later, Vitera left and Elizabeth McQueen joined as second vocalist and guitarist.[52]

In late 2006, Walt Roberts joined on second fiddle,[53] although less than a year later he had left again.[54] Also in 2007, former pianist Floyd Domino returned to the band.[55] The group collaborated with Willie Nelson on Willie and the Wheel in 2009, and later in the year Dan Walton took over from Domino.[56] In January 2014, McQueen left to raise her children and was replaced by Katie Shore, who also played second fiddle.[57][58] Jason Roberts left a few months later, at which point Shore became the primary fiddler in the group.[59] Around the same time, pianist Emily Gimble (the granddaughter of fiddler Johnny Gimble) and saxophonist/clarinetist Jay Reynolds joined the band.[60]

After the release of a third Bob Wills tribute album, Still the King, AATW became an eight-piece again with the addition of lead fiddler and mandolinist Dennis Ludiker in January 2016, followed by Connor Forsyth replacing Gimble in May.[61][62][63] By 2017, Josh Hoag had also joined on bass, marking the end of David Earl Miller's 25-year tenure in the band.[64] The band issued New Routes in 2018, its first album of new material since Reinventing the Wheel in 2006.[65] In June 2019, Eddie Rivers retired and Jay Reynolds left; they were replaced temporarily by returning steel guitarist Cindy Cashdollar (and later Lucky Oceans) and saxophonist Chloe Feoranzo, respectively.[66][67]

In September 2019, Italian steel guitarist Flavio Pasquetto joined AATW as the full-time replacement for the retired Rivers.[68]

Members

Current

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Ray Benson 1970–present
  • lead and backing vocals
  • lead and rhythm guitars
all Asleep at the Wheel (AATW) releases
David Sanger
  • 1986–1992
  • 1995–present
  • drums
  • percussion
all AATW releases from 10 (1987) onwards (except Wide Awake! Live in Oklahoma and Live at Ebbets Field 1973)
Katie Shore 2014–present
  • lead and backing vocals
  • fiddle (lead 2014–16)
all AATW releases from Still the King (2015) onwards
Dennis Ludiker 2016–present
  • fiddle
  • mandolin
  • backing vocals
Connor Forsyth
  • piano
  • organ
  • accordion
  • backing vocals
  • Lone Star Christmas Night (2016)
  • New Routes (2018)
Josh Hoag 2017–present bass New Routes (2018)
Flavio Pasquetto 2019–present steel guitars none to date

Former

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Lucky Oceans
(Reuben Gosfield)
  • 1970–1980
  • 2019 (touring)
  • steel guitars
  • occasional backing and lead vocals
LeRoy Preston 1970–1978
  • lead and backing vocals
  • drums (1970–75)
  • rhythm guitar (1975–78)
  • all AATW releases from Comin' Right at Ya (1973) to Collision Course (1978)
  • Live at Ebbets Field 1973 (2004) (plus Back to the Future Now: Live at Arizona Charlie's Las Vegas (1997) as a guest performer)
Danny Levin
  • 1970–1971
  • 1975–1981
  • piano (1970–71)
  • fiddle, mandolin, piano, organ (1975–81)
all AATW releases from Texas Gold (1975) to Served Live (1979) (plus The Wheel Keeps on Rollin' (1995) as a guest)
Gene Dobkin 1970–1974
  • bass
  • backing and occasional lead vocals
  • Comin' Right at Ya (1973)
  • Live at Ebbets Field 1973 (2004)
Chris O'Connell 1970–1986
  • lead and backing vocals
  • rhythm guitar
  • banjo
  • all AATW releases from Comin' Right at Ya (1973) to Pasture Prime (1985)
  • Wide Awake! Live in Oklahoma (2003)
  • Live at Ebbets Field 1973 (2004) (plus 10 (1987), Western Standard Time (1988), Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys (1993), The Wheel Keeps on Rollin' (1995), Back to the Future Now: Live at Arizona Charlie's Las Vegas (1997) and Ride with Bob (1999) as a guest)
Emily Paxton 1970–1971 backing vocals none – live performances only
Floyd Domino
(Jim Haber)
  • 1972–1978
  • 2007–2009
  • piano
  • organ
  • all AATW releases from Comin' Right at Ya (1973) to Collision Course (1978), and from Reinventing the Wheel (2006) to Still the King (2015)
  • Live at Ebbets Field 1973 (2004) (plus Pasture Prime (1985), Greatest Hits: Live & Kickin' (1992), Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys (1993), Back to the Future Now: Live at Arizona Charlie's Las Vegas (1997), Merry Texas Christmas, Y'all (1997), Ride with Bob (1999) and Hang Up My Spurs (2002) as a guest)
Tony Garnier 1974–1978 bass all AATW releases from Asleep at the Wheel (1974) to Collision Course (1978) (plus Western Standard Time (1988) and Back to the Future Now: Live at Arizona Charlie's Las Vegas (1997) as a guest)
Richard "Corky" Casanova 1974–1975 (died 2014) fiddle Asleep at the Wheel (1974)
Scott Hennige 1975–1976 drums
Ed Vizard
  • saxophones
  • occasional backing and lead vocals
Texas Gold (1975)
Link Davis Jr. 1976–1978
  • saxophones
  • accordion
  • piano
  • fiddle
  • backing and occasional lead vocals
all AATW releases from Wheelin' and Dealin' (1976) to Served Live (1979)
Bill Mabry fiddle
  • Wheelin' and Dealin' (1976)
  • The Wheel (1977)
  • Collision Course (1978)
Pat "Taco" Ryan 1976–1981
  • saxophones
  • clarinet
  • backing vocals
all AATW releases from The Wheel (1977) to Framed (1980)
Johnny Nicholas 1978–1981
  • rhythm guitar
  • piano
  • harmonica
  • backing and occasional lead vocals
Served Live (1979)
Fran Christina drums
  • Served Live (1979)
  • Framed (1980)
Spencer Starnes
  • 1978–1979
  • 1981–1982
bass
  • Served Live (1979)
  • Framed (1980)
  • Pasture Prime (1985) (plus The Wheel Keeps on Rollin' (1995) as a guest)
Dean DeMerritt 1979–1981 Framed (1980)
Maryann Price 1980–1982 lead and backing vocals
  • Framed (1980)
  • Pasture Prime (1985)
Bobby Black 1980–1981 pedal steel guitar Framed (1980) (plus Asleep at the Wheel (1974) as a guest)
Brenda Burns lead and backing vocals none – live performances only
Falkner Evans 1981–1985
  • piano
  • organ
Pasture Prime (1985)
Paul Anastasio 1981–1984 fiddle
Billy Estes 1981 drums Framed (1980)
Dan Tyack pedal steel guitar none – live performances only
Michael Francis 1981–2001
  • saxophones
  • clarinet
  • all AATW releases from Pasture Prime (1985) to The Very Best of Asleep at the Wheel (2001)
  • Live from Austin TX (2006)
Wally Murphy 1981–1985 pedal steel guitar Pasture Prime (1985)
Jann Browne 1981–1983 lead and backing vocals none – live performances only
Steve Schwelling 1981–1982 drums Pasture Prime (1985)
Tom Anastasio 1982–1986 bass
  • Pasture Prime (1985)
  • 10 (1987)
Roy McCrory 1982 drums none – live performances only
Richard Hormachea 1982–1985 Pasture Prime (1985)
Billy Cochran 1984–1985 fiddle none – live performances only
"Professor" Tim Alexander
  • 1985–1996
  • 2006 (touring) (died 2017)
  • piano
  • accordion
  • organ
  • backing vocals
  • all AATW releases from Pasture Prime (1985) to The Wheel Keeps on Rollin' (1995)
  • Wide Awake! Live in Oklahoma (2003)
  • Live from Austin, TX (2006)
  • The Best of Asleep at the Wheel on the Road (2006) (plus Back to the Future Now: Live at Arizona Charlie's Las Vegas (1997) and Ride with Bob (1999) as a guest)
Larry Franklin 1985–1991
  • fiddle
  • guitar
  • backing and occasional lead vocals
  • all AATW releases from Pasture Prime (1985) to Keepin' Me Up Nights (1990)
  • Wide Awake! Live in Oklahoma (2003) (plus Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys (1993), Ride with Bob (1999) and Still the King (2015) as a guest)
Wes Starr
  • 1984-1985
  • 2015 (touring)
drums Asleep at The Wheel (1985)
Mike Grammar 1985–1986 drums Pasture Prime (1985)
Jamieson "Junior" Brown lap steel guitar
John Ely 1986–1992 steel guitars all AATW releases from 10 (1987) to Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys (1993)
David Dawson 1986–1988 bass 10 (1987)
Jon Mitchell 1988–1992
  • bass
  • backing vocals
  • Western Standard Time (1988)
  • Keepin' Me Up Nights (1990)
  • Greatest Hits: Live & Kickin' (1992)
Ricky Turpin 1991–1994
  • fiddle
  • mandolin
  • backing vocals
  • Greatest Hits: Live & Kickin' (1992)
  • Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys (1993)
  • Live from Austin, TX (2006)
David Earl Miller 1992–2017
  • bass
  • backing vocals
all AATW releases from Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys (1993) to Lone Star Christmas Night (2016) (except Wide Awake! Live in Oklahoma and Live at Ebbets Field 1973)
Cindy Cashdollar
  • 1992–2001
  • 2019 (touring)
steel and slide guitars all AATW releases from Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys (1993) to Hang Up My Spurs (2002) (plus Live at Billy Bob's Texas (2003) and Live from Austin, TX (2006) as a guest)
Tommy Beavers 1992–1995 drums Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys (1993)
Barbara Lamb 1994–1995 fiddle The Wheel Keeps on Rollin' (1995)
Monty Gaylord 1995–1996 none – live performances only
Jason Roberts 1996–2014
  • fiddle
  • mandolin
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing and occasional lead vocals
all AATW releases from Back to the Future Now: Live at Arizona Charlie's, Las Vegas (1997) to Remembers the Alamo (2003) (except Wide Awake! Live in Oklahoma), and from The Best of Asleep at the Wheel on the Road (2006) to Still the King (2015)
Chris Booher 1996–2000
  • piano
  • fiddle
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
  • Back to the Future Now: Live at Arizona Charlie's, Las Vegas (1997)
  • Merry Texas Christmas, Y'all (1997)
  • Ride with Bob (1999)
Rosie Flores 1997 (touring)
  • lead and backing vocals
  • rhythm guitar
none – live performances only
John Michael Whitby 2000–2007
  • piano
  • backing vocals
  • The Very Best of Asleep at the Wheel (2001)
  • Hang Up My Spurs (2002)
  • Live at Billy Bob's Texas (2003)
  • Remembers the Alamo (2003)
  • Santa Loves to Boogie (2006)
  • Reinventing the Wheel (2006)
  • Willie and the Wheel (2009)
Jim Murphy 2001–2004
  • steel guitars
  • dobro
  • saxophones
  • Hang Up My Spurs (2002)
  • Live at Billy Bob's Texas (2003)
  • Remembers the Alamo (2003)
Haydn Vitera 2003–2005
  • fiddle
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing and occasional lead vocals
  • Live at Billy Bob's Texas (2003)
  • Remembers the Alamo (2003)
Eddie Rivers 2004–2019
  • steel guitars
  • saxophones
  • backing vocals
all AATW releases from The Best of Asleep at the Wheel on the Road (2006) to New Routes (2018)
Elizabeth McQueen 2005–2014
  • lead and backing vocals
  • rhythm guitar
all AATW releases from The Best of Asleep at the Wheel on the Road (2006) to Still the King (2015)
Walt Roberts 2006–2007
  • fiddle
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
none – live performances only
Dan Walton 2009–2014 piano
  • It's a Good Day (2010)
  • Still the King (2015)
Jay Reynolds 2014–2019
  • saxophones
  • clarinet
  • Still the King (2015)
  • Lone Star Christmas Night (2016)
  • New Routes (2018)
Emily Gimble 2014–2016
  • piano
  • backing vocals
  • Still the King (2015)
  • Lone Star Christmas Night (2016)
Chloe Feoranzo 2019 (touring)
  • saxophones
  • clarinet
none – live performances only

Timelines

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

Lineups

Period Members Releases
January – spring 1970
  • Ray Benson – vocals, guitar
  • LeRoy Preston – vocals, drums
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Danny Levin – piano
none – live performances only
Spring – fall 1970
  • Ray Benson – vocals, guitar
  • LeRoy Preston – vocals, drums
  • Gene Dobkin – vocals, bass
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Danny Levin – piano
Fall 1970 – spring 1971
  • Ray Benson – vocals, guitar
  • LeRoy Preston – vocals, drums
  • Gene Dobkin – vocals, bass
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Danny Levin – piano
  • Chris O'Connell – backing vocals
  • Emily Paxton – backing vocals
Spring – August 1971
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • LeRoy Preston – vocals, drums
  • Gene Dobkin – vocals, bass
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Danny Levin – piano
August 1971 – early 1972
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • LeRoy Preston – vocals, drums
  • Gene Dobkin – vocals, bass
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
Early 1972 – February 1974
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • LeRoy Preston – vocals, drums
  • Gene Dobkin – vocals, bass
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Floyd Domino – piano, organ
Spring 1974 – spring 1975
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • LeRoy Preston – vocals, drums
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Tony Garnier – bass
  • Floyd Domino – piano, organ
  • Richard Casanova – fiddle
Spring 1975 – early 1976
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • LeRoy Preston – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Tony Garnier – bass
  • Floyd Domino – piano, organ
  • Scott Hennige – drums
  • Danny Levin – fiddle, mandolin, piano
  • Ed Vizard – saxophones
Early – August 1976
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • LeRoy Preston – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Tony Garnier – bass
  • Floyd Domino – piano, organ
  • Scott Hennige – drums
  • Danny Levin – fiddle, mandolin, piano
  • Bill Mabry – fiddle
  • Link Davis Jr. – saxophones, accordion
August 1976 – September 1978
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • LeRoy Preston – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Tony Garnier – bass
  • Floyd Domino – piano, organ
  • Chris York – drums
  • Danny Levin – fiddle, mandolin, piano
  • Bill Mabry – fiddle
  • Link Davis Jr. – saxophones, accordion
  • Pat Ryan – saxophones, clarinet
September – December 1978
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Johnny Nicholas – guitar, piano, vocals
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Tony Garnier – bass
  • Chris York – drums
  • Danny Levin – fiddle, mandolin, piano
  • Link Davis Jr. – saxophones, accordion
  • Pat Ryan – saxophones, clarinet
none – live performances only
December 1978 – spring 1979
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Johnny Nicholas – guitar, piano, vocals
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Spencer Starnes – bass
  • Fran Christina – drums
  • Danny Levin – fiddle, mandolin, piano
  • Pat Ryan – saxophones, clarinet
Spring 1979 – early 1980
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Johnny Nicholas – guitar, piano, vocals
  • Lucky Oceans – steel guitars
  • Dean DeMerritt – bass
  • Fran Christina – drums
  • Danny Levin – fiddle, mandolin, piano
  • Pat Ryan – saxophones, clarinet
none – live performances only
Early – late 1980
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Maryann Price – vocals
  • Johnny Nicholas – guitar, piano, vocals
  • Bobby Black – pedal steel guitar
  • Dean DeMerritt – bass
  • Fran Christina – drums
  • Danny Levin – fiddle, mandolin, piano
  • Pat Ryan – saxophones, clarinet
  • Framed (1980)
    (features Billy Estes in place of Christina,
    and does not feature Nicholas or Levin)
Early – late 1980
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, guitar (not touring)
  • Maryann Price – vocals
  • Brenda Burns – vocals
  • Johnny Nicholas – guitar, piano, vocals
  • Bobby Black – pedal steel guitar
  • Dean DeMerritt – bass
  • Fran Christina – drums
  • Danny Levin – fiddle, mandolin, piano
  • Pat Ryan – saxophones, clarinet
none – live performances only
Spring – summer 1981
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, guitar (not touring)
  • Maryann Price – vocals
  • Brenda Burns – vocals
  • Dan Tyack – pedal steel guitar
  • Dean DeMerritt – bass
  • Falkner Evans – piano, organ
  • Billy Estes – drums
  • Paul Anastasio – fiddle
  • Pat Ryan – saxophones, clarinet
Summer – late 1981
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, guitar (not touring)
  • Maryann Price – vocals
  • Jann Browne – vocals (touring only)
  • Wally Murphy – pedal steel guitar
  • Dean DeMerritt – bass
  • Falkner Evans – piano, organ
  • Steve Schwelling – drums
  • Paul Anastasio – fiddle
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
Late 1981 – summer 1982
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, guitar (not touring)
  • Maryann Price – vocals
  • Jann Browne – vocals (touring only)
  • Wally Murphy – pedal steel guitar
  • Spencer Starnes – bass
  • Falkner Evans – piano, organ
  • Steve Schwelling – drums
  • Paul Anastasio – fiddle
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
Summer – fall 1982
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, guitar (not touring)
  • Jann Browne – vocals (touring only)
  • Wally Murphy – pedal steel guitar
  • Tom Anastasio – bass
  • Falkner Evans – piano, organ
  • Roy McCrory – drums
  • Paul Anastasio – fiddle
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
none – live performances only
Fall 1982 – 1983
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, guitar (not touring)
  • Jann Browne – vocals (touring only)
  • Wally Murphy – pedal steel guitar
  • Tom Anastasio – bass
  • Falkner Evans – piano, organ
  • Richard Hormachea – drums
  • Paul Anastasio – fiddle
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
1983 – early 1984
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Wally Murphy – pedal steel guitar
  • Tom Anastasio – bass
  • Falkner Evans – piano, organ
  • Richard Hormachea – drums
  • Paul Anastasio – fiddle
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
  • Pasture Prime (1985) – seven tracks
Early 1984 – early 1985
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Wally Murphy – pedal steel guitar
  • Tom Anastasio – bass
  • Falkner Evans – piano, organ
  • Richard Hormachea – drums
  • Billy Cochran – fiddle
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
none – live performances only
1985–1986
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Chris O'Connell – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Junior Brown – lap steel guitar
  • Tom Anastasio – bass
  • Tim Alexander – piano, accordion, vocals
  • Mike Grammar – drums
  • Larry Franklin – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
  • Pasture Prime (1985) – two tracks
1986 – summer 1988
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, guitar
  • John Ely – steel guitars
  • David Dawson – bass
  • Tim Alexander – piano, accordion, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Larry Franklin – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
Summer 1988 – early 1991
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, guitar
  • John Ely – steel guitars
  • Jon Mitchell – bass, vocals
  • Tim Alexander – piano, accordion, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Larry Franklin – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
Early 1991 – mid-1992
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, guitar
  • John Ely – steel guitars
  • Jon Mitchell – bass, vocals
  • Tim Alexander – piano, accordion, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Ricky Turpin – fiddle, mandolin, vocals
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
Mid-1992 – summer 1994
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, guitar
  • Cindy Cashdollar – steel guitars
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Tim Alexander – piano, accordion, vocals
  • Tommy Beavers – drums
  • Ricky Turpin – fiddle, mandolin, vocals
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
Summer 1994 – early 1995
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, guitar
  • Cindy Cashdollar – steel guitars
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Tim Alexander – piano, accordion, vocals
  • Tommy Beavers – drums
  • Ricky Turpin – fiddle, mandolin, vocals
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
none – live performances only
Early – late 1995
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, guitar
  • Cindy Cashdollar – steel guitars
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Tim Alexander – piano, accordion, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Barbara Lamb – fiddle
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
Late 1995 – 1996
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, guitar
  • Cindy Cashdollar – steel guitars
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Tim Alexander – piano, accordion, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Monty Gaylord – fiddle
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
none – live performances only
1996 – April 1997
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, lead guitar
  • Cindy Cashdollar – steel guitars
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Chris Booher – piano, fiddle, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
April – late 1997
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Rosie Flores – vocals, guitar (touring only)
  • Cindy Cashdollar – steel guitars
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Chris Booher – piano, fiddle, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
Late 1997 – spring 2000
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, lead guitar
  • Cindy Cashdollar – steel guitars
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Chris Booher – piano, fiddle, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
Spring 2000 – summer 2001
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, lead guitar
  • Cindy Cashdollar – steel guitars
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • John Michael Whitby – piano, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
Summer – late 2001
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, lead guitar
  • Jim Murphy – steel guitars
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • John Michael Whitby – piano, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Michael Francis – saxophones, clarinet
none – live performances only
Late 2001 – early 2003
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, lead guitar
  • Jim Murphy – steel guitars, saxophone
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • John Michael Whitby – piano, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
Early 2003 – May 2004
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, lead guitar
  • Jim Murphy – steel guitars, saxophone
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • John Michael Whitby – piano, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Haydn Vitera – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Live at Billy Bob's Texas (2003)
  • Remember the Alamo (2003)
June 2004 – spring 2005
  • Ray Benson – lead vocals, lead guitar
  • Eddie Rivers – steel guitars, saxophone, vocals
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • John Michael Whitby – piano, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Haydn Vitera – fiddle, guitar, vocals
none – live performances only
Spring 2005 – early 2006
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Elizabeth McQueen – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Eddie Rivers – steel guitars, saxophone, vocals
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • John Michael Whitby – piano, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
Early – late 2006
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Elizabeth McQueen – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Eddie Rivers – steel guitars, saxophone, vocals
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • John Michael Whitby – piano, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • The Best of Asleep at the Wheel
    on the Road
    (2006)
    (features Tim Alexander in place of Whitby)
  • Santa Loves to Boogie (2006)
  • Reinventing the Wheel (2006)
Late 2006 – early 2007
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Elizabeth McQueen – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Eddie Rivers – steel guitars, saxophone, vocals
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • John Michael Whitby – piano, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • Walt Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
none – live performances only
Early 2007 – summer 2009
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Elizabeth McQueen – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Eddie Rivers – steel guitars, saxophone, vocals
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Floyd Domino – piano, organ
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
Summer 2009 – January 2014
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Elizabeth McQueen – vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Eddie Rivers – steel guitars, saxophone, vocals
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Dan Walton – piano
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
  • It's a Good Day (2010)
January – spring 2014
  • Ray Benson – vocals, lead guitar
  • Katie Shore – vocals, fiddle
  • Eddie Rivers – steel guitars, saxophone, vocals
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Dan Walton – piano
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jason Roberts – fiddle, guitar, vocals
none – live performances only
Summer 2014 – January 2016
  • Ray Benson – vocals, guitar
  • Katie Shore – vocals, fiddle
  • Eddie Rivers – steel guitars, vocals
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Emily Gimble – piano, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Jay Reynolds – saxophones, clarinet
January – April 2016
  • Ray Benson – vocals, guitar
  • Katie Shore – vocals, fiddle
  • Eddie Rivers – steel guitars, vocals
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Emily Gimble – piano, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Dennis Ludiker – fiddle, mandolin, vocals
  • Jay Reynolds – saxophones, clarinet
  • Lone Star Christmas Night (2016)
April 2016 – summer 2017
  • Ray Benson – vocals, guitar
  • Katie Shore – vocals, fiddle
  • Eddie Rivers – steel guitars, vocals
  • David Miller – bass, backing vocals
  • Connor Forsyth – piano, organ, vocals
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Dennis Ludiker – fiddle, mandolin, vocals
  • Jay Reynolds – saxophones, clarinet
none – live performances only
Summer 2017 – June 2019
  • Ray Benson – vocals, guitar
  • Katie Shore – vocals, fiddle
  • Eddie Rivers – steel guitars, vocals
  • Connor Forsyth – piano, organ, vocals
  • Josh Hoag – bass
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Dennis Ludiker – fiddle, mandolin, vocals
  • Jay Reynolds – saxophones, clarinet
  • New Routes (2018)
June – September 2019
  • Ray Benson – vocals, guitar
  • Katie Shore – vocals, fiddle
  • Cindy Cashdollar – steel guitars (touring)
  • Connor Forsyth – piano, organ, vocals
  • Josh Hoag – bass
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Dennis Ludiker – fiddle, mandolin, vocals
  • Chloe Feoranzo – saxophones (touring)
none – live performances only
September 2019 – present
  • Ray Benson – vocals, guitar
  • Katie Shore – vocals, fiddle
  • Flavio Pasquetto – steel guitars
  • Connor Forsyth – piano, organ, vocals
  • Josh Hoag – bass
  • David Sanger – drums, percussion
  • Dennis Ludiker – fiddle, mandolin, vocals
none to date

References

  • Benson, Ray; Menconi, David (October 2015), Comin' Right at Ya: How a Jewish Yankee Hippie Went Country, or, the Often Outrageous History of Asleep at the Wheel, Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press, ISBN 978-0292756588

Footnotes

  1. Cartwright, Gary (November 1995). "Asleeping Beauty". Texas Monthly. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  2. Oermann, Robert K. (March 21, 1987). "They're the big 'wheels' of western swing". The Tennessean. p. 55. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  3. Benson & Menconi 2015, p. 55
  4. Benson & Menconi 2015, p. 56
  5. Benson & Menconi 2015, p. 64
  6. Benson & Menconi 2015, p. 70
  7. Betts, Stephen L. (November 18, 2019). "Asleep at the Wheel Plot 50th Anniversary Album, Reunion Shows". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  8. Cusic, Don (July 29, 2011). The Cowboy in Country Music: An Historical Survey with Artist Profiles. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. p. 194. ISBN 978-0786486052. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  9. Benson & Menconi 2015, pp. 76–79
  10. Benson & Menconi 2015, p. 85
  11. Allen, James. "Asleep at the Wheel - Asleep at the Wheel: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  12. "Country Reviews: LP's" (PDF). Cash Box. Vol. 37 no. 15. New York City, New York: Cash Box. August 30, 1975. p. 40. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  13. "Asleep At The Wheel". El Paso Times. October 6, 1975. p. 33. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  14. "Asleep At The Wheel". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  15. "Country Roundup" (PDF). Cash Box. Vol. 38 no. 15. New York City, New York: Cash Box. August 28, 1976. p. 34. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  16. "Spokes Split Wheel" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 90 no. 37. New York City, New York: Billboard. September 16, 1978. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  17. "Half Notes". San Francisco Examiner. September 16, 1978. p. 9. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  18. "East Coastings: Names In The News" (PDF). Cash Box. Vol. 40 no. 32. New York City, New York: Cash Box. December 23, 1978. p. 14. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  19. "Asleep at the Wheel to Perform at University". Arizona Daily Sun. August 12, 1979. p. 8. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  20. Halsey, Derek (July 2002). "Lucky Oceans (Asleep At The Wheel)". Swampland.com. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  21. Benson & Menconi 2015, pp. 98–99
  22. Huey, Steve. "Asleep at the Wheel: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  23. "Maria Muldaur". The San Francisco Examiner. November 30, 1980. p. 388. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  24. McCord, Jeff (August 2011). "Johnny Nicholas". Texas Monthly. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  25. "Derby Country Kick features lineup of music's greatest". The Courier-Journal. April 19, 1981. p. 165. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  26. Parrish, Pam (April 13, 1990). "Jann Browne's dreams are coming true". Arizona Daily Star. p. 59. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  27. Brennan, Brian (May 27, 1981). "Asleep at the Wheel: The sound is still familiar". Calgary Herald. p. 53. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  28. Meehan, Jay (August 20, 1981). "There was the Hot Band, Goodman, and no one Asleep at the Wheel". The Newspaper. p. 18. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  29. "Pop Music". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. September 5, 1982. p. 177. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  30. "Asleep at the Wheel coming to Roseville". The Press-Tribune. November 30, 1982. p. 9. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  31. "Arts Calendar". Albuquerque Journal. March 9, 1984. p. 19. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  32. Perkins, Terry (July 26, 1985). "Asleep Keeps Its Audience Wide Awake". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 20. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  33. Benson, Ray (1998). "Interview with Ray Benson". Pasture Prime (Audio track). Interviewed by Holger Petersen. Stony Plain Records.
  34. Benson & Menconi 2015, p. 115
  35. Hurst, Jack (November 6, 1986). "Country Reaches Way South Of The Border". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  36. Oermann, Robert K. (March 21, 1987). "Western Swing Ain't Dead, It's Asleep at the Wheel". The Tennessean. p. 39. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  37. "Nights Out". The Ottawa Citizen. August 19, 1988. p. 21. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  38. "Ricky Turpin 2008". Fiddlers Frolics. November 8, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  39. Washburn, Jim (January 6, 1993). "Pop Music Review: Asleep at the Wheel Is Live and Kickin'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  40. Washburn, Jim (May 24, 1995). "Pop Music Review: Asleep at the Wheel Could Use a Strong Cup of Joe". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  41. Flowers, Colette; Kitsinger, Otto (November 26, 1995). "Country Music Memo". The Index-Journal. p. 35. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  42. Evans Price, Deborah (October 21, 1995). "Asleep At The Wheel Drives On For 25-Year Capitol Set" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 107 no. 42. New York City, New York: BPI Communications. p. 36. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  43. Seigal, Buddy (September 5, 1997). "Waking Up Western Swing: Asleep at the Wheel Is a Driving Force Behind Refueling the Style". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  44. "Singer Rosie Flores Joins 'Asleep at the Wheel'". The Oklahoman. April 25, 1997. p. 52. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  45. Ferman, Dave (May 7, 2000). "Asleep at the Wheel awakening". The Oklahoman. p. 93. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  46. Caligiuri, Jim (April 9, 2004). "$liding Home: Singing the praises of Austin steel sovereign Cindy Cashdollar". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  47. Cooper, Daniel (December 20, 2001). "Asleep at the Wheel Swings Hall of Fame". CMT. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  48. Stone, Steven (March 2004). "Asleep At The Wheel – Live at Billy Bob's Texas". Vintage Guitar. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  49. Gray, Christopher (February 28, 2003). "TCB: Leave That Cowboy Alone". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  50. Himes, Geoffrey (February 13, 2004). "Asleep at the Wheel: "Asleep at the Wheel Remembers the Alamo" (Shout Factory) and "Live at Billy Bob's Texas" (Smith Music Group)". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  51. "Pedal steel guitar player excited to be Asleep at the Wheel". The Post-Crescent. July 18, 2004. p. 39. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  52. Gray, Christopher (May 27, 2005). "TCB Music". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  53. Simon, Scott (September 30, 2006). "Asleep at the Wheel: Driving Western Swing". NPR. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  54. "Western swing kings are wide awake". Fort Collins Coloradoan. August 9, 2007. p. 31. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  55. "Musings from Backstage..." Floyd Domino. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  56. "Asleep at the Wheel returns". Cumberland Times. July 31, 2009. p. 13. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  57. Kasten, Roy (February 20, 2014). "Ex-Asleep at the Wheel Singer Elizabeth McQueen Mixes It Up With Brothers Lazaroff". Riverfront Times. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  58. Shore, Katie (July 20, 2014). "Thanks for dropping by!". Katie Shore. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  59. Runn, Courtney (October 6, 2019). "A Chat With Asleep at the Wheel's Katie Shore". Austin Woman. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  60. Scaffidi, Susan (August 13, 2014). "Reinventing the Wheel". The Bakersfield Californian. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  61. "Asleep at the Wheel highlights Sweet Pea". The BoZone. July 30, 2016. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  62. Asleep at the Wheel (January 13, 2016). "We're thrilled to announce that Dennis Ludiker has officially joined the band!". Facebook. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  63. Asleep at the Wheel (May 23, 2016). "We're proud to announce that Connor Forsyth is our newest addition to the band!". Facebook. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  64. "Asleep at the Wheel to Perform at NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show". National Association of Broadcasters. July 20, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  65. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "New Routes - Asleep at the Wheel: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  66. Remz, Jeffrey B. (July 1, 2019). "Asleep at the Wheel keeps rolling". Country Standard Time. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  67. Chavez, Chuy; Magana, Eric (October 14, 2019). "Lizzo-Themed Cowboy Hats and Custom Chaps: The Best Westernwear Looks at ACL". Texas Monthly. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  68. Sitta, Gianluca. "Flavio Pasquetto: A Piece of Italy Lands In Texas". Planetcountry.it. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.