Asleep at the Wheel are known for the way in which they blend country and jazz into a sound uniquely their own. Among the tunes for which they are best known are “Route 66” and “The Letter That Johnny Walker Read.”
The band, which now calls Austin, Texas, its home, first got together in 1970 in West Virginia. They attracted attention almost from the beginning; in 1974, they were in Oakland when the legendary Willie Nelson invited them to come to Austin.
That year, the band released their second album, the self-titled “Asleep at the Wheel,” on which they covered “Choo Choo Ch'Boogie” by Louis Jordan. The single charted, the first of the band's efforts to do so. In 1977, Rolling Stone voted the group Best Country Western Band, and the Academy of Country Music gave Asleep at the Wheel its Touring Band of the Year award. They have appeared on the popular PBS show “Austin City Limits” a record ten times, and toured Europe with Emmylou Harris.
They have continued touring, recording, and pleasing audiences ever since. A review says:
“Asleep at the Wheel always displays high energy, fun, and the most professional musicians in the industry.”
Asleep at the Wheel will appear on September 16, at 8:00 pm, at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Poster printing can provide attractive advertising for events like this.