Description
Book SynopsisA who's who of American popular music fills this lively memoir, in which Ray Benson recalls how a Philadelphia Jewish hippie and his bandmates in Asleep at the Wheel turned on generations of rock and country fans to Bob Willsstyle Western swing.
Trade ReviewA pleasure for fans of Benson and the band. * Kirkus Reviews *
In his own words, Benson reflects on the wild ride that's led him to where he is today. * The Boot, "10 Best Country Music Books of 2022" *
Benson has a treasure trove of outlandish anecdotes, assorted nuggets of wisdom, and a deep and vast wealth of musical knowledge to share. * PopMatters *
A let-it-all-hangout memoir. * Texas Monthly *
The man is a trip, literally and figuratively . . . a real relaxin’ ride with a mellow fellow. * Library Journal *
Full of humor and humility and a truly iconoclast outlook on life . . . since Benson started Asleep at the Wheel as a working-class country band, it's one helluva ride worth telling. * Austin Chronicle *
Asleep at the Wheel and country music fans will have trouble putting down this book, which barrels forward with all the energy of a Saturday night show at a dance hall in Austin. . . . Benson is the wily old veteran, spinning yarns and imparting wisdom learned from years on the road. We’d all be wise to listen. * Jewish Book Council *
Highly recommended. * Ink29 *
Table of Contents
- Prologue: February 15, 1979
- Friday's Child
- You Get a Smile Every Time with the Heads-up Taste of a Ballantine
- Bright Lights, Big Cities
- Almost Heaven, West Virginia
- A Name of Our Own
- Asleep at the Wheel Goes to Washington
- Go West, Young Man (and Woman)
- On the Road Again
- Into the Mystic with "The Beatles of Western Swing"
- Austin Calling
- On the Bus
- Spinning Texas Gold
- "Framed"
- Deadly Sins
- Write Your Own Song
- The Zen of Willie
- The Film Industry Is a Series of Peaks and Valleys
- 615 Blues
- Ride with Bob
- Ride with Job
- Into the Black
- Epilogue: Bringing It All Back Home
- Acknowledgments
- Index
