Asleep at the Wheel - In Concert

The Western swing revivalist band Asleep at the Wheel helped popularize the genre in the '70s and went on to enjoy an eclectic, freewheeling career which earned the group a dedicated following of both fans and critics. Over the course of their career, a number of musicians passed through the group more than 80, to be precise but throughout the years, the vision of vocalist-guitarist Ray Benson kept the band together. Asleep at the Wheel was founded by Benson and Leroy Preston (drums, guitar, vocals) in 1970. Along with Benson's longtime friend Reuben 'Lucky Oceans' Gosfield (steel guitar, drums), they played straightforward country at local bars and lodges in Virginia. They were soon joined by guitarist/singer Chris O'Connell, who had just graduated from high school. In 1971, Commander Cody saw the group performing in Washington, D.C., and was impressed enough to send his manager Joe Kerr to meet with the band. They signed with Kerr, who convinced them to move to San Francisco late in that year. Keyboardist Floyd Domino (born Jim Haber) joined the band following an inaugural 30-day tour with Stoney Edwards. After Domino joined the group, Asleep at the Wheel landed a permanent gig at the Longbranch Saloon in Berkeley. They soon cultivated a solid fan base and signed with United Artists Records. Their first album, Comin' Right at Ya, was released in 1973. In 1974, they moved to Austin, TX, which eventually became their home base.