Ray Benson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ray Benson
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Ray Benson performing in April 2008
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ray Benson Seifert |
| Born | March 16, 1951 |
| Origin | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1969–present |
| Labels | Arista Nashville, Bismeaux |
Ray Benson Seifert (born March 16, 1951) is an American musician. He is also an actor and a voice actor. Ray is best known as the leader of the Western swing band called Asleep at the Wheel.
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About Ray Benson
Ray Benson grew up in Philadelphia. In 1970, he started the band Asleep at the Wheel. He formed it with his friends Lucky Oceans and Leroy Preston. They started the band in Paw Paw, West Virginia.
Later, Gene Dobkin and Chris O'Connell joined the group. In 1973, the band moved to Austin, Texas. This move happened after Willie Nelson suggested it. Since then, the band has made over twenty albums. They have also won nine Grammy awards.
In 1991, Ray Benson released a solo song. It was called "Four Scores and Seven Beers Ago." It came out through Arista Nashville.
Besides his work with Asleep at the Wheel, Ray Benson also produces music for other artists. He has helped create albums for singers like Dale Watson and Suzy Bogguss. He has also worked on songs for Willie Nelson and Brad Paisley.
In 2003, Ray released his first solo album. It was titled Beyond Time.
Ray Benson helps many music-related groups. He helped start the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. This group raises money for older R&B artists. He is also on the board of the SIMS Foundation. This group helps Austin musicians and their families with mental health care. He is also involved with other health and music organizations.
Ray Benson used to host a TV show called Texas Music Scene. He wanted a show that focused on Texas bands. He felt that the Austin City Limits show had become too big. So, he worked with Tom Hoitsma to create Texas Music Scene. This show highlights many great bands from Texas.
"A Ride With Bob" Play
In 2005, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel created a play. It is called "A Ride With Bob." This play tells the story of the famous singer Bob Wills.
The play features 15 of Bob Wills' most popular songs. It mixes Ray Benson's life today with different parts of Bob Wills' career. This musical play still travels and performs across the country.
Awards and Honors
Ray Benson has received many awards during his career. He won a Midsouth Regional Emmy Award for making "A Ride With Bob." He was also made an Honorary Junior Member of the United States Secret Service.
In 2007, the Austin Chronicle honored Ray for his singing and songwriting. They also recognized his band and his work as a producer. Ray Benson joined the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 2002. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. He has won nine Grammy awards over four different decades.
Willie and The Wheel Album
In 2009, Asleep at the Wheel and Willie Nelson released an album together. It was called Willie and the Wheel. This album was a Western swing project. Producer Jerry Wexler suggested the idea.
Willie Nelson has always loved Western swing music. He even toured with Asleep at the Wheel in 2007. Other musicians like Paul Shaffer and Vince Gill also played on this album.
Movies and TV Shows
- Roadie (1980) ... Ray Benson
- Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect (1990) ... Sir Woodrow (voice)
- Never Leave Nevada (1990) ... Composer
- Wild Texas Wind (1991) ... Ray Benson
Music Albums and Songs
Albums
| Title | Album details |
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| Beyond Time |
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| A Little Piece |
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| Songs from a Stolen Spring (Compilation) |
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Singles
| Year | Single | Peak positions |
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| US Country |
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| 1991 | "Four Scores and Seven Beers Ago" | 67 |
See also
In Spanish: Ray Benson para niños
