Ray Benson: Last News

EXCLUSIVE: Imperative Entertainment, the company behind the Boomtown podcast, which is being adapted into a Billy Bob Thornton-fronted series from Taylor Sheridan, has set its latest Texas podcast.

Chris Willman Music Writer“It’s just a number,” says Ray Benson, waxing modest about a couple of big ones that are arriving this year for himself and his group, “but as you know, being in the business, publicists need something to hang their hat on.” Then again, honoring significant round numbers feels appropriate for someone who invented the Wheel — Asleep at the Wheel, that is, the progressive Western-swing group that will be commemorating its 50th anniversary with an all-star show, God and vaccinations willing, in Austin in the fall of 2021.Benson, meanwhile — seemingly a native Texan, but who really came to Austin by way of California, by way of his truly native Philly — will be celebrating his 70th birthday on March 16.

James White, who owned one of Austin’s most popular honky-tonks, the legendary Broken Spoke dance hall, died today from congestive heart failure complications, according to his daughter. He was 81 and died at his South Austin home.

Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson has tested positive for COVID-19. The leader of the Texas-based band alerted fans via Facebook on Tuesday morning (March 31) of his diagnosis but says he remains optimistic.