I had the honor to open a show in 1977, in Lincoln, NE for Ray and Asleep At The Wheel. After the show, they invited us back to the bus for a Lone Star. One of the highlights of my life.
Cowtown girl here. My parents ran with that crew on occasion. School nights waking up to music, backgammon, blow and everyone so happy to see me. I was always pissed, I had to get up for school!
Back in '72-'73 I got to see Mance Lipscomb at a coffee shop on the campus of Texas A&M. I didnt know who he was at the time, but what a treat, I feel lucky to have seen him. Just thought I would share the memory that popped up when Ray mentioned his name. Love these interviews, thank you for sharing these great moments with us.
I love stories about Austin from back in the day.p I was a huge Texas Music Head back then. Jerry Jeff, Townes, Joe Ely, Rusty Weir, Guy Clark. I remember I sent away for a World Armadillo Headquarters T shirt. Read this book called,The Rise of Redneck Rock. Oh yeah Michael Murphy was another one. I was learning the guitar, wearing Western Shirts and Cowboy Boots and drinking a shitload of Beer. Oh the carefree days of youth. Me and my buddy would tell my Wife , we’re off to the store to get some smokes and be gone for 3 days.
'70-'74 was a great era for the "outlaw" country (punk country) if you will. I saw Asleep At The Wheel in Boulder/Denver or both back in the day. I remember an all ages show, under 21 they made a felt pen or highlighter mark on the back of the hand....yeah that worked. Great show-great band. Thanks brother, you're appreciated.
I have enjoyed seeing Ray over the years. In this interview I needed to hang onto my seat because he was cruising down the road with all kinds of stories and names being dropped in. I always get a chance to learn of someone that I had not heard of before.
Excellent video! I've listened to Asleep At The Wheel for over 30 years and don't know a freaking thing about them. Wow, that's hard to believe. Love hearing about the band and all the back stories. Keep up the good work.
This was a treat and a trip down memory lane. I've met Ray before but just to be introduced and say hi at his studio back in the 90s. But before that I saw the Wheel in probably 74 in DFW and when I got out of HS in 74, ended up in Austin all the time until moving there in 78.I must have seen the Wheel 6 or more times back then and still have some LPs. Those were great times -the beer soaked carpet and fabulous Nachos at the Armadillo etc etc ec . 2/1 homes in Hyde Park were in the 30s. Beer was cheap and I liked the gals and the gals liked me and the bands played 8 days a week. We knew we were onto something special. I hope Ray writes the "6 Degrees of Willie" book. I'd attend that book signing
I've seen a fair number of bands, but very few were as good at rolling out a good time as Asleep at the Wheel. I discovered them after moving to Austin in the late '70s, and have loved them ever since. New Year's eve at the Armadillo with them was peak fun. Ray is a fantastic band leader and all around great guy. Thanks for having him on, Otis.
Last time I saw the Wheel was at a Shrine Club picnic grounds a few years back (with original Paw Paw members). The next night they were playing the Kennedy Center. Go figure. Saw them at a bar back in the eighties, I believe. They rocked the place! Best version of Mustang Sally I ever heard. Ray's a cool dude, great musician and one hell of a singer.
I was backstage at a Hee Haw taping and saw a plaque on a door that said "Asleep at the Wheel" and the very next door said "Ray Benson". I figured he needed his own room because of his physical stature!
Hey, I met Utah! About twenty years ago I was walking through downtown Nevada City, and Utah was walking towards me, so I stuck my hand out and introduced myself. What a lovely man!
As far as I recall Waylon said that he developed his playing style after Buddy Holly asked him to play base for Buddy Holly. At first Waylon told Buddy that he's never played the bass so Buddy told Waylon that a bass is simple, it's just the first four strings on a guitar. There is no doubt that Johnny Cash had a huge influence on Waylon Jennings but that was well after Buddy Holly left his mark. In the late 1950's when Buddy Holly started his own label the first artist that he signed was Waylon Jennings.
Wow, Otis. This was really enjoyable. Thank you. I got to see Asleep At The Wheel at Gruene Hall about 15 years ago. One of the greatest musical experiences of my life.
Sitting in Belfast tonight loving the stories. Funny how there is always a connection. I'm only a mile or two from where Van Morrison grew up. I wonder was Townes and them ever in Belfast. Probably not.
Utah Phillips who wrote ‘Rock Salt and Nails’ is a classic song writer and I went to see him and Rosalie Sorrels perform in small clubs back in the day. It is a treat to listen to these stories as well as being a historical record of a time long gone but worth the memory. I grew up in Rochester, New York and left at 18 in '63 to never return, but to only find later in the early 60’s Son House was living not that far away before he moved to Detroit and to die there later. A watchful eye and ear might surprise its user if paying better attention.
Maybe 1990's? ASATW playing O.T. Price's Music Hall, Santa Cruz. I believe it was a Monday night, and I felt bad and thought, Man. Is this what it's come to? The crowd was really small, the band and audience was low energy. Previously they had played the Civic Auditorium, a much larger venue and drawn a large crowd. I sat at the bar next to Dicky Smothers who lived in the area. The next night they played The Great American Music Hall and got an excellent write-up review in the SF Chronicle, so I chalked it up to a Monday night road filler gig to pay the motel bill. All good.
Rewlingua bucket list! and you two make me feel badly i done trimmed my beard tho im well aware barring unforseen bad happenings i can grow it out right quick ill wait looking food though and great interview as u know ray benson is a great score for stories thanks otis! -sjocr
Ways to support this channel. www.patreon.com/otisgibbs ua-cam.com/channels/YX2MTovE0vYjD8touqRH7Q.htmljoin Tip jar for anyone who wants to help support this channel. paypal.me/otisgibbs?locale.x=... www.venmo.com/OtisGibbs Paypal: @otisgibbs Venmo: @OtisGibbs
@@Caperhere Patreon is a little bit better for me by a nose. UA-cam memberships are fine if you're already a member. Paypal and Venmo are great, but they're more like a tip jar. Patreon and UA-cam memberships are a stable, ongoing way to support the channel and there are a couple hundred Patreon/Channel Member videos waiting for anyone who joins.
So did he steal your look, or did you steal his? Or do folk musicians just arrive at the same aesthetic conclusions? Just kidding, but as a young folkie myself, I just need to know so I can prepare for my future.
I am an itinerant country musician of about 60 years. It's almost impossible to find people who can play in time! A fellow musician suggested to one particular guitarist who was famous for jumping time that we get a metronome. The guitarist said - Oh no ! Those things just mess me up!
So glad Ray mentioned Eagle Pennell. Do yourself a favor and go find his films. Last I saw them, they were available on the Criterion Collection Edit: a couple are free here on UA-cam
Great story tellers are very astute observers ,,, have excellent memories , don't lean hard on the drugs and alcohol , take care of themselves and those around them
Here is a factoid nobody will want to hear. A good friend of mine from Amarillo had an uncle who was Road Manager for Bob Wills. Wills would not stay at a hotel or motel that did not have black maids. Read what you want into that one.......
Damn, I was in Mendocino County CA (Point Arena), doing outlaw trimming, in 1996, when the first medical legalization amendment was passed. An oz. of top-shelf was going for between $3000-4000 ! Now, there, I'm sure one could find $70 ozs. all day long
@@rksg2003 the value does change, driven by supply/demand considerations. iow; the amount one thing that someone is willing to exchange for another thing, goes down in times of over-supply
Subscribe to Ray's (Asleep At The Wheel) channel and tell 'em Otis sent ya!
ua-cam.com/users/AATW1969
I had the honor to open a show in 1977, in Lincoln, NE for Ray and Asleep At The Wheel. After the show, they invited us back to the bus for a Lone Star. One of the highlights of my life.
Jerry Jeff used to do blow with my parents and play his songs til 4 am in my living room when I was a toddler ❤
Cowtown girl here. My parents ran with that crew on occasion. School nights waking up to music, backgammon, blow and everyone so happy to see me. I was always pissed, I had to get up for school!
Back in '72-'73 I got to see Mance Lipscomb at a coffee shop on the campus of Texas A&M. I didnt know who he was at the time, but what a treat, I feel lucky to have seen him. Just thought I would share the memory that popped up when Ray mentioned his name. Love these interviews, thank you for sharing these great moments with us.
Mance mentored Townes Van Zandt. It's where he got his finger picking style. Lightnin' too.
Otis, you are an American treasure. I get so much enjoyment from these stories. Thank you for capturing these memories.
I have an old Samick Ray Benson signature telecaster. Sweetest cheap guitar I’ve ever played I love it
I love stories about Austin from back in the day.p I was a huge Texas Music Head back then. Jerry Jeff, Townes, Joe Ely, Rusty Weir, Guy Clark. I remember I sent away for a World Armadillo Headquarters T shirt. Read this book called,The Rise of Redneck Rock. Oh yeah Michael Murphy was another one. I was learning the guitar, wearing Western Shirts and Cowboy Boots and drinking a shitload of Beer. Oh the carefree days of youth. Me and my buddy would tell my Wife , we’re off to the store to get some smokes and be gone for 3 days.
Otis, I just want to say thank you for the wonderful work you do for the music lovers of the world.
I second that. Otis is a walking library of knowledge and grace.
Peace.
he was great in ken burns' country music docuseries. im digging this
'70-'74 was a great era for the "outlaw" country (punk country) if you will. I saw Asleep At The Wheel in Boulder/Denver or both back in the day. I remember an all ages show, under 21 they made a felt pen or highlighter mark on the back of the hand....yeah that worked. Great show-great band. Thanks brother, you're appreciated.
I have enjoyed seeing Ray over the years. In this interview I needed to hang onto my seat because he was cruising down the road with all kinds of stories and names being dropped in. I always get a chance to learn of someone that I had not heard of before.
Wow. The amount of music history and great stories in this great interview from this great musician is flowing like a big river.
Thanks for sittin in Ray! Love your music, so great to hear all this history. Even the tip of the iceberg is a revelation.
Thank you.
I really enjoy your Channel.
I sure miss Waylon.
Great stories! Austin TX in the '70's...what a great time to be alive! Thanks for preserving this history, Otis.
Yeah back then you could actually drive down town,
I left Austin in 1998 and am pretty sure I witnessed some of the last of its specialness.
Excellent video! I've listened to Asleep At The Wheel for over 30 years and don't know a freaking thing about them. Wow, that's hard to believe. Love hearing about the band and all the back stories. Keep up the good work.
This was a treat and a trip down memory lane. I've met Ray before but just to be introduced and say hi at his studio back in the 90s. But before that I saw the Wheel in probably 74 in DFW and when I got out of HS in 74, ended up in Austin all the time until moving there in 78.I must have seen the Wheel 6 or more times back then and still have some LPs. Those were great times -the beer soaked carpet and fabulous Nachos at the Armadillo etc etc ec . 2/1 homes in Hyde Park were in the 30s. Beer was cheap and I liked the gals and the gals liked me and the bands played 8 days a week. We knew we were onto something special. I hope Ray writes the "6 Degrees of Willie" book. I'd attend that book signing
I've seen a fair number of bands, but very few were as good at rolling out a good time as Asleep at the Wheel. I discovered them after moving to Austin in the late '70s, and have loved them ever since. New Year's eve at the Armadillo with them was peak fun. Ray is a fantastic band leader and all around great guy. Thanks for having him on, Otis.
Very cool stories and a killer Beard to boot!! Ray and Asleep at the Wheel are freaking awesome!! Love to burn a doobie with Ray ! 🐿️😎🐿️
Moved to Austin in 1976 because of Willie, Waylon, Jerry Jeff and this guy. I saw Asleep at the Wheel in 1975 first time they played Chicago.
Love hearing these stories. Thank you Otis for taking the time to share.
Love Ray and his music!
Another fantastic interview Otis! Real stories from real people, that’s what we enjoy. Ray is a natural story teller 😊
Ray could make an absolute fortune doing voiceover work! He'd really give Will Arnett a run for the money atop that field.
Last time I saw the Wheel was at a Shrine Club picnic grounds a few years back (with original Paw Paw members). The next night they were playing the Kennedy Center. Go figure.
Saw them at a bar back in the eighties, I believe. They rocked the place! Best version of Mustang Sally I ever heard. Ray's a cool dude, great musician and one hell of a singer.
Everyone you interview, i just want more of their stories and music history.
Thank you, Otis 🙏🏻🤍
We got a hold of the first AATW record when we were still students in New Haven. It blew our minds. So did Delbert and Glen. Thanks Otis!
I was backstage at a Hee Haw taping and saw a plaque on a door that said "Asleep at the Wheel" and the very next door said "Ray Benson". I figured he needed his own room because of his physical stature!
Thanks!
God bless Ray!
Hey, I met Utah! About twenty years ago I was walking through downtown Nevada City, and Utah was walking towards me, so I stuck my hand out and introduced myself. What a lovely man!
What a set of pipes! I could listen to Ray read the phone book!
Love this. thank you. I did a rental backline date with AATW one at a Seminole Casino, and somewhere I have a photo of Ray's leather covered guitar.
As far as I recall Waylon said that he developed his playing style after Buddy Holly asked him to play base for Buddy Holly. At first Waylon told Buddy that he's never played the bass so Buddy told Waylon that a bass is simple, it's just the first four strings on a guitar. There is no doubt that Johnny Cash had a huge influence on Waylon Jennings but that was well after Buddy Holly left his mark. In the late 1950's when Buddy Holly started his own label the first artist that he signed was Waylon Jennings.
I love your interviews, Otis. I add a lot of people to my list of artists to listen to through your UA-cam channel.
Wow, Otis. This was really enjoyable. Thank you. I got to see Asleep At The Wheel at Gruene Hall about 15 years ago. One of the greatest musical experiences of my life.
Thanks Otis another good one documenting these stories so important
The Geezinslaw Brothers, what a band.
Great interview Otis! Thanks!
I was at the Armadillo for your first show, opening for Commander Cody. What a memory...... ..Damn, Ray.......we are getting old. 😊. Peace.
Ray's a legend & great story teller. A book would be amazing.
Sitting in Belfast tonight loving the stories. Funny how there is always a connection. I'm only a mile or two from where Van Morrison grew up. I wonder was Townes and them ever in Belfast. Probably not.
Worked with Ray on a golf tournament at The Hills that benefited his charity. really, really great guy.
one of my best friends worked for Ray for 30+ years... R.I.P. Jed Bruner
Thank you guys. 2 great beards, I am so jealous.
Carroll Shelby was one of guys behind the first Terlingua Chili Cook-off.
What a memory ! All the stories : D
WONDERFUL STUFF ...! The REAL DAYS
great episode Otis!
Utah Phillips who wrote ‘Rock Salt and Nails’ is a classic song writer and I went to see him and Rosalie Sorrels perform in small clubs back in the day. It is a treat to listen to these stories as well as being a historical record of a time long gone but worth the memory.
I grew up in Rochester, New York and left at 18 in '63 to never return, but to only find later in the early 60’s Son House was living not that far away before he moved to Detroit and to die there later. A watchful eye and ear might surprise its user if paying better attention.
The King of Western Swing!
He's such a great storyteller
Maybe 1990's? ASATW playing O.T. Price's Music Hall, Santa Cruz. I believe it was a Monday night, and I felt bad and thought, Man. Is this what it's come to? The crowd was really small, the band and audience was low energy. Previously they had played the Civic Auditorium, a much larger venue and drawn a large crowd. I sat at the bar next to Dicky Smothers who lived in the area. The next night they played The Great American Music Hall and got an excellent write-up review in the SF Chronicle, so I chalked it up to a Monday night road filler gig to pay the motel bill. All good.
I love asleep at the wheel you and Ray look alot alike
Ray Benson..❤
I always thought that Waylon’s beat was an homage to Buddy Holly, only slow down quite a bit.
Rewlingua bucket list! and you two make me feel badly i done trimmed my beard tho im well aware barring unforseen bad happenings i can grow it out right quick ill wait looking food though and great interview as u know ray benson is a great score for stories thanks otis! -sjocr
Cool dude 🙏
Can i ask what is Break metre? Is that keeping time or something? What a cool guy to interview, thanks Otis!
Viva Terlingua!
Ways to support this channel.
www.patreon.com/otisgibbs
ua-cam.com/channels/YX2MTovE0vYjD8touqRH7Q.htmljoin
Tip jar for anyone who wants to help support this channel.
paypal.me/otisgibbs?locale.x=...
www.venmo.com/OtisGibbs
Paypal: @otisgibbs
Venmo: @OtisGibbs
Otis, which way to support you gives you the highest percentage? PayPal? Patreon? I’d like to know which system pays you best.😊
@@Caperhere Patreon is a little bit better for me by a nose. UA-cam memberships are fine if you're already a member. Paypal and Venmo are great, but they're more like a tip jar. Patreon and UA-cam memberships are a stable, ongoing way to support the channel and there are a couple hundred Patreon/Channel Member videos waiting for anyone who joins.
Where was this recorded ? Nashville, Austin or someplace else ?
I just figured out I don't know nearly enough about Ray and AATW.
Nice to hear Stoney Edwards remembered.
More...
What the heck is break meter mean ???
Has Ray played with SKLAR?
So did he steal your look, or did you steal his? Or do folk musicians just arrive at the same aesthetic conclusions? Just kidding, but as a young folkie myself, I just need to know so I can prepare for my future.
What does "break meter" mean in this context?
Change time ,,,
@@als1023 yep thx...but is it like changing tempo, or adding or dropping a beat?
I am an itinerant country musician of about 60 years. It's almost impossible to find people who can play in time! A fellow musician suggested to one particular guitarist who was famous for jumping time that we get a metronome. The guitarist said - Oh no ! Those things just mess me up!
So glad Ray mentioned Eagle Pennell. Do yourself a favor and go find his films. Last I saw them, they were available on the Criterion Collection
Edit: a couple are free here on UA-cam
Rays voice is unmistakable.
But I didn’t recognize him with the beard.
He looks like he just came from an Otis Gibbs lookalike contest
I saw them open for Dylan in Missoula
Otis has a twin brother!
Great story tellers are very astute observers ,,,
have excellent memories ,
don't lean hard on the drugs and alcohol ,
take care of themselves and those around them
@@saintseraph kiddo ??
👌😊
Everyone has heard of 6 degrees of separation. In Austin it's more like 2 or 3 degrees.
It's like Hoyle Nix never existed..
Here is a factoid nobody will want to hear. A good friend of mine from Amarillo had an uncle who was Road Manager for Bob Wills. Wills would not stay at a hotel or motel that did not have black maids. Read what you want into that one.......
What does this mean?
Shouldn’t there be guys telling Ray Benson stories .
7:44 in 1973, $10 is the 2024 equivalent of $70 today... EXACTLY what an ounce of super kind bud costs in Michigan, right now.
Damn, I was in Mendocino County CA (Point Arena), doing outlaw trimming, in 1996, when the first medical legalization amendment was passed. An oz. of top-shelf was going for between $3000-4000 ! Now, there, I'm sure one could find $70 ozs. all day long
The value never changed it’s just money is worth less so it takes more
@@rksg2003 the value does change, driven by supply/demand considerations. iow; the amount one thing that someone is willing to exchange for another thing, goes down in times of over-supply