Ep 14. Acl Presents: 50 Years Of Asleep At The Wheel: A Retrospective
- October 31, 2020
ACL Presents: 50 Years of Asleep at the Wheel: A Retrospective is a tribute to the legendary Texas band's five decades of music-making. In this episode of Austin City Limits' 45th season, viewers are treated to a retrospective of Asleep at the Wheel's iconic career. The band, founded in 1970 by Ray Benson and Lucky Oceans, has become a celebrated part of the Texas country music scene.
The episode opens with a performance of the band's signature song, "Miles and Miles of Texas." Asleep at the Wheel's well-known swing style fills the stage as the band plays a foot-tapping rendition of the classic tune. Ray Benson, the band's founding member, discusses the band's early days and their love for the music of Bob Wills. In the early 70s, Asleep at the Wheel began a long and illustrious career that has continued for over 50 years.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to some of the band's biggest hits and their eclectic mix of genres that includes swing, country, and jazz. Hits such as "Boogie Back to Texas" and "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" are performed with an infectious energy that has kept audiences captivated for decades.
As the episode progresses, Ray Benson shares stories of the band's early days on tour. He recounts the time when Willie Nelson left his guitar on stage after a performance and how Asleep at the Wheel secured the guitar as collateral until Willie could pay for it. These stories provide an intimate look into the history of the band and the personalities that have kept it going.
Guests also make appearances in this episode to pay tribute to Asleep at the Wheel. Carrie Rodriguez, a Texas singer-songwriter, joins the band to perform "Route 66." The song is a nod to Asleep at The Wheel's history as they were the first to play Bob Wills' music on Route 66. Seth Avett of The Avett Brothers also joins the band on stage to perform "The Letter That Johnny Walker Read," a song that Asleep at the Wheel recorded in 1975. These performances showcase the influence that Asleep at The Wheel has had on the country music genre and artists that have followed in their footsteps.
As the episode nears its end, Ray Benson introduces a special guest, Willie Nelson. Nelson joins Asleep at the Wheel on stage for a rousing performance of "Still Is Still Moving to Me." The band's swing style melds perfectly with Nelson's iconic voice, creating an unforgettable moment in the show.
Overall, ACL Presents: 50 Years of Asleep at the Wheel: A Retrospective is a celebration of a band that has become a beloved staple of Texas music culture. The episode is a must-see for Asleep at the Wheel fans as well as anyone who loves classic country music. The band's contagious energy and timeless sound provide a perfect conclusion to the 45th season of Austin City Limits.