The Daily Texan, Life & Arts: 10/05/09
Ray Benson is a huge figure in the Texas music scene. Besides his imposing 6′ 7″ frame, his band Asleep at the Wheel has been playing their brand of western swing music in Austin since the early 70’s. The group has won nine Grammy awards, toured extensively, and recently released an album a critically-acclaimed album with Willie Nelson. Before the band’s performance at the ACL Festival this weekend, Benson told the Texan a little about himself.
01) What album have you listened to the most in the last week?
This record called Take to the Sky by [Austin's] Kat Edmonson.
02) If you could collaborate with any musician in the world, who would it be?
That’s easy, Tony Bennett.
03) What was the best show you’ve ever played?
Last year’s ACL Festival was fantastic – we’re really looking forward to this weekend, too.
04) What was the worst show you’ve ever played?
Last month we played in Branson, MO for a bunch of retired couples. There was just no energy at all.
05) What is your favorite song to play live?
It’s definitely “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66.”
06) When you were forming the band were there any alternate band names you didn’t pick?
For a while we were going to be Ray Benson and his Laughing Cowboys.
07) Where is your favorite place to eat in Austin?
Either this diner-type place called Ranch 616 or Vespaio on South Congress.
08) Do you have a day job?
No no no!
09) What is your favorite website?
I guess Google? I don’t really know.
10) What is a perfect day for you?
I would wake up, watch channel 8, cook breakfast at home, and tune into as many morning shows as I can. Then I’d play a round of golf with Willie Nelson, eat bar-b-que at any of Austin’s great bar-b-que spots for lunch, take a walk on the hike and bike trail, and swim in Deep Eddy. For dinner I’d cook at home, then catch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse and go on a date with [girlfriend and KXAN news anchor] Michelle Valles.
