Over the last three decades, Asleep at the Wheel has kept the distinctly American art form of Western Swing not only alive, but thriving, in spite of the continual homogenization of mainstream country music.

Lead vocalist Ray Benson muses on the bands longevity, ?Every time that I figured I was going to quit, we?d have a wonderful, incredible show where the people were so appreciative that we were doing this music that it?s like ?Well, hell ? this beats working, so why not keep doing it???

Since their beginnings in Paw Paw West Virginia in 1970, the Wheel has won nine Grammy Awards, been a staple of the venerable country showcase Austin City Limits, worked with guest artists including Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Shawn Colvin, and have put over 3 million miles on their old tour bus.