The long-running PBS-TV music program “Austin City Limits” next month will broadcast a special retrospective on the western-swing band Asleep at the Wheel, both of which is marking its 50th anniversary.
Asleep At the Wheel performed on the show’s first episode back in 1970. In total, the band has appeared on the show 11 times if collaborations with other music artists are counted.
“ACL Presents: 50 Years of Asleep at the Wheel” will air Oct. 31. Check local listings for air times.
Country Standard Time reported the 16 songs that will be played on the broadcast. That includes a performance of “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” from the 1996 episode. Asleep At the Wheel performs the Bobby Troup song at virtually every show, and band leader Ray Benson has said it’s his favorite tune.
Here’s a performance of that song at Billy Bob’s Texas:
Asleep At the Wheel also played a prominent role in two albums that paid tribute to the Mother Road — “Songs Of Route 66: All-American Highway” and “More Songs Of Route 66: Roadside Attractions.” Both albums featured various artists doing the singing, and the latter included cover artwork from the late, great Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire.
Benson had a health scare this spring when he tested positive for COVID-19 and experienced dizziness, headaches and fatigue. Still, what’s remarkable is Asleep At the Wheel has been playing gigs longer than the western-swing innovator that inspired it — Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. Wills died of a stroke in 1973 after about 44 years as a performer.
(Images courtesy of Asleep At the Wheel)