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Ray Benson

An Inventory of the Ray Benson Papers

Ray Benson's archive contains materials documenting his entire career, featuring records, photographs, instruments, wardrobe, awards and other memorabilia.

In a career that has spanned almost half a century, Benson has established himself as the modern king of Western Swing by being the driving force behind Asleep at the Wheel. In 1970 the Philadelphia-born Benson co-founded the band in Paw Paw, West Virginia along with Lucky Oceans and Leroy Preston. The band relocated to the Bay Area in 1971 upon the urging of musician Commander Cody, whose own band The Lost Planet Airmen was gaining prominence on the West Coast. Asleep at the Wheel quickly attracted fans, one of which was legendary rock and soul artist, Van Morrison. Soon after Morrison mentioned the band in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Asleep at the Wheel were offered a record contract by United Artists, and in 1973 their first album “Comin’ Right At Ya” was released.

Not long after that, the “cosmic cowboys” of Texas came calling, and on the advice of artists like Willie Nelson and Doug Sahm, Benson moved the band to Austin. The rest, as they say, is history.

Benson’s honors include 2011 Texan of the Year, 2011 Texas Medal of the Arts Award for Multimedia, the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association, the 2008 TEC Les Paul Award, and the official Texas State Musician in 2004. He’s also an actor, writer and voice-over talent. A much sought after producer, he has worked with such artists as Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Aaron Watson and Suzy Bogguss, to name a few. Since 2010 Benson has hosted the highly successful “Texas Music Scene” television series which broadcasts weekly all across the country, showcasing live performances by today’s talent in the Texas and Red Dirt music circuit. Benson has also hosted the radio show “Austin Outer Limits”  on Sirius/XM’s “Willie’s Roadhouse” channel.

Ray began donating his archive to the Wittliff in 2017. Below is a preliminary inventory of the collection.


Container List

Accession 2018-025 (12 boxes)

 

BOX 2647 (1 of 12)

 

Box      Folder

 

2647    1         
“Ray Benson Promo Material”; Letters to Benson from Dolly Parton, Ann Richards, Jim Hightower, and others, 1979-2017

 

2647    2         
Cohen Family Timeline and Benson’s childhood memorabilia, 1977-1998

 

2647    3         
“Asleep at the Wheel” black and blue XL shirt, undated

 

2647    4         
“Live in Austin Since 1970” grey small shirt with red letters, undated

 

2647    5         
“Willie & the Wheel starring Willie Nelson & Asleep at the Wheel” black small shirt, undated

 

2647    6         
“The Kent Stage Presents: Hot Rod Lincoln 50th Anniversary Celebration” 2XL white shirt with blue and red picture, April 25, 2008

 

2647    7         
Academy of Country Music 32nd & 34th Annual Awards programs, including Rhythm & Blues Foundation 7th Annual Pioneer Awards discography, 1997-1999

 

2647    8         
Gear Patrol: The America Issue, undated

 

2647    9         
Western Swing Monthly, American Classic Series, article from edibleaustin.com,and Capitol Tracks, 2000-2016

 

2647    10       
Event programs such as the 8th Annual SafePlace Anniversary Party, National  Symphony Orchestra, and Encore: Fort Hays State University Encore Series, 2005-2010

 

2647    11       
49th Annual Grammy Awards program, February 11, 2007

2647    12       
Programs for Trucker & Country Festival, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and The University of Texas College of Fine Arts, 1995-2004

 

2647    13       
Articles about Ray Benson from Great Falls Tribune, Voice, and Billboard, 1978-2016

 

2647    14       
Publicity materials such as flyers, articles, programs, and newsletters, 2004-2010

 

2647    15       
Articles about Benson from San Antonio Express-News and Austin American-Statesman, including publicity materials, 2004-2010

 

2647    16       
Publicity materials and advertisements such as Austin City Limits booklet, articles, and programs, 2000-2009

 

2647    17       
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1976-77”; News clippings from Los Angeles Times, Arizona Republic, and Stereo Reviews, 1976-77 (1 of 2)

 

2647    18       
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1976-77”; News clippings from The Wichita Sun, The Dallas Morning News, and Rolling Stone, 1976-1977 (2 of 2)

 

2647    19        “Asleep at the Wheel Press 1991”; News clippings mostly pertaining to Dolly Parton and Benson’s film Wild Texas Wind, 1990-1991 (1 of 2)

 

BOX 2648 (2 of 12)

 

Box      Folder

 

2648    1         
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1991”; News clippings mostly pertaining to Dolly  Parton and Benson’s film Wild Texas Wind, 1990-1991 (2 of 2)

 

2648    2         
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1996-1997”; Articles from Texas Monthly, The San Antonio Star, and The Austin Chronicle, 1996-1998

 

2648    3         

“AATW 25th Anniversary: Swingin’ From Sept. 21-25, 1995”; 1995 (1 of 2)
 

2648    4         
“AATW 25th Anniversary” Swingin’ From Sept. 21-25, 1995”; 1995 (2 of 2)

 

2648    5         
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1993-94”; Articles from USA Today, St. Cloud’s Times, and Los Angeles Times, 1993-1995 (1 of 2)

 

2648    6         
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1993-94”; Articles from Country Spirit, Country America, and Times Records News, 1993-1995 (2 of 2)

 

2648    7         
The Austin Chronicle Songwriter Ray Benson award, 2007

 

2648    8         
Asleep at the Wheel’s award nomination by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for Best Country Instrumental Performance, February 17, 1991

 

2648    9         
Les Paul Award for Ray Benson, 2008

 

2648    10       
The Austin Chronicle award to Ray Benson, Record Producer, Reinventing the Wheel, 2007

 

2648    11       
The Austin Chronicle award to Ray Benson for Male Vocals, 2007

 

2648    12       
National Academy of Recording Arts & Science Awards for Ray Benson, 2005-2016

 

2648    13       
National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Awards for Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, 1992-2009

 

BOX 2649 (3 of 12)

 

Box      Folder

 

2649    1         
Grammy Magazine, letter to Benson on Grammy nomination, and special certificates order form, 1995-February 27, 2002

 

2649    2         
Letters from the White House, including a photo of Benson with Laura Bush, February 10, 1993-September 5, 2000

 

2649    3         
Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services certificate of appreciation, including drawings from children to Benson, September 16, 1992

 

2649    4         

Country Music Hall of Fame Award of Appreciation to Benson, including a letter from the Director, Kyle Young, October 18, 2000

 

2649    5         
Awards to Benson and Asleep at the Wheel such as Country Music Association, Toys for Tots, State of Texas Second Legend of Texas swing, State of West Virginia, Smithsonian Appreciation, 1977-2013

 

2649    6         
Awards to Benson and Asleep at the Wheel such as Asleep at the Wheel Band Day, Country Music Foundation Certificate of Appreciation, Honorary Citizen Award, Academy of Recording Arts, 1985-2016

 

2649    7         
Texas Legislative Conference-Texan of the Year Reunion Program, Cowtown  Society of Western Music Lifetime member, and 32nd Annual Grammy Awards booklet, February 21, 1990-March 17, 2016

 

2649    8         
Cowtown Society of Western Music’s Western Swing Hero, 47th Annual Grammy nominee, and 52nd Grammy nominee medals, 2011

 

2649    9         

“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1978-86”; Articles about Asleep at the Wheel, 1978-1987 (1 of 2)
 

2649    10       
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1978-86”; Articles about Asleep at the Wheel, 1978-1987 (2 of 2)

 

2649    11        Articles on Asleep at the Wheel in The Rolling Stone, Dallas Morning News, and USA Today, 1975-1995
 

2649    12       
“Tribute [Preview]”; Asleep at the Wheel Tribute album information, 1993

 

2649    13       
“CBS Records Nashville”; Articles about Asleep at the Wheel from Austin American-Statesman, USA Today, and San Francisco Chronicle, 1987-1989

 

2649    14       
Asleep at the Wheel Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys flyers, November 3, 1993

 

2649    15       
Asleep at the Wheel & Leon Rausch “It’s a Good Day” info sheet and publicity info for Asleep at the Wheel’s Tribute to Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, November 3, 1993-July 20, 2010
 

2649    16       
“AATW Press-1999-2001”; Magazine and news articles from San Antonio Express-News, Billboard Magazine, and Chicago Tribune, 1999-2001(1 of 2)
 

2649    17       
“AATW Press-1999-2001”; Magazine and news articles from San Antonio Express-News, Billboard Magazine, and Chicago Tribune, 1999-2001 (2 of 2)

 

2649    18       
DreamWorks Records Press Release for Asleep at the Wheel’s documentary The Making of “Ride with Rob”, July 24-26, 2000

 

2649    19       
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1997-98”; Magazine and news articles from Arizona Republic, Billboard Magazine, and Austin American-Statesman, 1996-1999 (1 of 2)

 

2649    20       
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1997-98”; Magazine and news articles from Arizona Republic, Billboard Magazine, and Austin American-Statesman, 1996-1999 (2 of 2)

 

2649    21       
Large Monthly Calendars, 1982-1988

 

2649    22       
Monthly Calendars, 1978-1991


BOX 2650 (4 of 12)

Box      Folder

 

2650    1         
Monthly and weekly calendars, 1988-1993

 

2650    2         
Monthly calendars, including notes within the calendars, 1976-1996

 

2650    3         
Monthly calendars for appointments, including notes, 1982-1994

 

2650    4         
Monthly calendars for appointments, 1983-1993

 

2650    5         
Monthly appointment books, including tour information, 1972-2001

 

2650    6         
Texas Music-Asleep at the Wheel license plate, undated

 

2650    7         
Benson’s badges for South by Southwest, KLRU, and Texas Legislative Conference, 2003

 

2650    8         
Bob Wills Fiddle Festival & Contest program and The 3rd Annual Ray Benson Birthday Bash laminated ticket/invite, March 14, 2006-October 18, 2015

 

2650    9         
Asleep at the Wheel cards, postcard, and Guest All Access badge, 1993

 

2650    10       
Asleep at the Wheel comic, CD set, and Smelly Tree ornament, November 13, 1990

 

2650    11       
Northwest Western Swing Music Society newsletter, Syracuse New Times, set lists, and Health Alliance for Austin Musicians Annual Report, 2008-2017

 

2650    12       
“Misc. Press Clippings”; Magazine and news clippings from Texas Monthly, Austin American-Statesman, and Austin Chronicle, 1985-2016

 

2650    13       
“1992 Press’s Promo”; Photographs of Asleep at the Wheel and Benson, one photo by Brenda Ladd, [1992]-April 20, 2001

 

2650    14       
Promo materials such as stickers; sheet music; Texas Medal of Arts Awards; and Certificate of Nomination for B. Iden Payne Award, 1985-2017

 

2650    15       
Photographs of Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, including two photos of Benson with Dolly Parton, 2002-2005

 

2650    16       
Group Golf photos from 10th Annual CARD Invitational BIGHORN Golf Club, and Tracy Byrd Celebrity Golf Tournament, October 5, 1998-November 28, 2001

 

2650    17       
Well Aware, Inc. and the Maasai People of Kenya appreciation award, August 6, 2006        
   

2650    18       
Asleep at the Wheel induction into the Reagan Watson Alumni Association certificate, March 15, 2008

 

BOX 2651 (5 of 12)

 

Box      Folder

 

2651    1         
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1989-94”; Magazine and news clippings from Austin American-Statesman, The Rolling Stone, and MIX, 1989-1995 (1 of 2)

 

2651    2         
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1989-94”; Magazine and news clippings from Austin American-Statesman, The Rolling Stone, and MIX, 1989-1995 (2 of 2)

 

2651    3         
“Press Binders”; Magazine and news clippings, including press forms, 1999-2001 (1 of 2)

 

2651    4         
“Press Binders”; Magazine and news clippings, including press forms, 1991-2001 (2 of 2)

 

2651    5         
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1995 & 1996”; Magazine and news clippings from Country Music, Dallas Morning News, and San Antonio Express-News, 1993-1996

 

2651    6         
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1971-73”; News clippings from Washington Star, The Daily Californian, and Austin American-Statesman, 1971-1973 (1 of 2)

 

2651    7         
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1971-73”; News clippings from Washington Star, The Daily Californian, and Austin American-Statesman, 1971-1973 (2 of 2)

 

2651    8         
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1974-75”; News clippings from The Houston Post, Music City News, and Billboard, 1972-1975 (1 of 2)

 

2651    9         
“Asleep at the Wheel Press 1974-75”; News clippings from The Houston Post, Music City News, and Billboard, 1972-1975 (2 of 2)

 

2651    10       
1979 Monthly Minder for concert planning, 1979

 

2651    11       
Exhibit labels from the temporary Ray Benson in 2017, 2017

 

2651    12       
Black and white group photo of Asleep at the Wheel on exhibit board, including  Benson’s graduation photo, undated

 

2651    13       
Asleep at the Wheel Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills CD booklet, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences nomination letter, and Austin City Limits 25th Anniversary Special letter, 1993-1995

 

2651    14       
National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences nomination for Asleep at the Wheel with Lyle Lovett, including Texas Senate’s appreciation award for participation in Texas Sesquicentennial, 1986-1994

 

2651    15       
Framed, The Keystone State League, Inc. Football Registration and Identification card, undated

 

2651    16       
Framed photograph of Ray Benson playing the guitar, July 8, 2015

 

2651    17       
Rhythm & Blues Foundation Benefit Concert, blue large t-shirt, May 28, [no year]

 

BOX 2652 (6 of 12)     Awards


2652    1         
2014 Telly Award “The Texas Music Scene” General Entertainment, 2014

 

2652    2         
2007 Community Hero Award for Ray Benson, SafePlace Celebration, October 2, 2007

 

2652    3         
2001 Telly Award, Ray Benson/Producer Asleep at the Wheel “Ride with Bob," 2001

 

2652    4         
Ray Benson, Member, AMD64 Premier Artist, undated

 

BOX 2653 (7 of 12)     Artifacts

 

2653    1         
Benson’s boots, undated

 

BOX 2654 (8 of 12)

 

Box      Folder

 

2654    1         
St. David’s Foundation recognizes Ray Benson for 10 years of service and commitment to the health of Central Texans, November 30. 2012

 

2654    2         
Benson named Honorary Mayor of Mesquite, Texas, originally framed by Harry & Pat Knock TLC Picture Framing, May 8, 1983-July 16, 1984

 

2654    3         
Black and white photo of Asleep at the Wheel during concert, 2005

 

2654    4         
Asleep at the Wheel brand sheets, undated

 

2654    5         
Asleep at the Wheel Texas Flag poster, undated

 

2654    6         
Signed photograph of Benson and Laura Bush, undated

 

2654    7         
Smithsonian Folklife Festival Certificate of Appreciation for participation in the festival, July 8, 2008

 

2654    8         
Council of the City of Philadelphia Citation Honoring and Recognizing Ray Benson, October 27, 2015   

 

2654    9         
The State of Texas Governor’s Cowtown Society of Western Music Western Swing Hero Award and announcement for 2nd Annual Ray Benson Birthday Bash, 2005-2011

 

2654    10       
The Senate of the State of Texas Resolution for 100th Birthday Anniversary of Bob Wills, March 3, 2005

 

2654    11       
The State of Texas House of Representatives’ Texas Medal of Arts Award for Multi-Media, February 28, 2011-May 4, 2011

 

2654    12       
The Senate of Texas Texan of the Year and Texas Medal of Arts honoree award, 2011

 

BOX 2655 (9 of 12)     Framed Items

 

2655    1         
Citation of Achievement presented by Broadcast Music, Inc. to Paw Paw Music in recognition of the great national popularity, as measured by broadcast performances, attained by “My Baby Thinks He’s a Train”, framed, 1981

 

2655    2         
Citation of Achievement presented by Broadcast Music, Inc. to Paw Paw Music in recognition of the great national popularity in the Country Music Field, as measured by broadcast performances, attained by J Wonder, framed, 1983


2655    3         
Citation of Achievement presented by Broadcast Music, Inc. to Paw Paw Music in recognition of the great national popularity in the Country music field, as measured by broadcast  performances, attained by “My Baby Thinks He’s  a Train”, framed, 1982

 

BOX 2656 (10 of 12)   Awards

 

2656    1         
Letter from the Texas House of Representatives Committee on State Cultural and Recreational Resources naming Benson 2004 Texas State Musician, 2004


2656    2         
Western Swing Monthly Man of the Year, framed award, January 6, 2014

 

2656    3         
Signed photograph of Benson, President George W. Bush, and others, undated

 

BOX 2657 (11 of 12)   Artifacts

 

2657    1         
Benson’s blue jacket, undated

 

BOX 2658 (12 of 12) Awards

 

2658    1         
Asleep at the Wheel award for recognition of presenting the inaugural George Strait Country Music Festival at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, May 8, 1999

 

Framed Items

 

1.  The 8th AnnualTexas Music Revolution featuring Asleep at the Wheel, Junior Brown, Jack Ingram, BR5-49, The Flatlanders, Deryl Dodd, and more, signed music poster, March 21, [no year]
 

2. Large handwritten poster about Ray Seifert, undated
 

3. NOKIA presents the George Strait Country Music Festival, signed music poster, undated
 

4. National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc. presents the certificate to Ray Benson in recognition of participation as Producer in the category of Best Country Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group, or Soloist) on the Grammy Award-Winning “String of Pars” (Track from Asleep at the Wheel), award, 1987
 

Mapcase Dr. # 4

Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash, Silent Auction large poster, March 15, [no year]

 

Accession 2018-078 (7 boxes)

 

BOX 2809 (1 of 7)

 

Box      Folder

 

2809    1         
Official newsletters of Asleep at the Wheel Fan Club, As the Wheel Turns, 1995-2002   
   

2809    2         
Postcards from Asleep at the Wheel, album covers for Asleep at the Wheel’s Tribute to the Music of Bob Willis and the Texas Playboys, 1993-2017

 

2809    3         
Comin’ Right at Ya promotional sheets, articles about Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, and photographs of Asleep at the Wheel, 1994-2015

 

2809    4         
Black and white photographs of Asleep at the Wheel, one taken by Buddy Lee, in a 25th Anniversary folder, 1970-1995

 

2809    5         
Three 25th Anniversary folders holding black and white photos of Asleep at the Wheel, 1970-1995

 

2809    6         
Black and white photographs of Asleep at the Wheel through the years, undated

 

2809    7         
Country Music People, Texas Music, and American Profile magazines with Benson on the cover, including concert poster, 1992-2011

 

2809    8         
Wood Texas shaped award for Asleep at the Wheel for giving to the KPFT’s Cosmic Cowboy Benefit Concerts, undated

 

2809    9         
Correspondence such as from U.S. House of Representative Chief of Staff, John Lawrence; Tim and Faith McGraw; and Texas State University’s President, Denise Trauth, 2011-2015

 

2809    10       
Annotated handwritten song lyrics such as “Lets Forget About [Tomorrow] Today”, and “Gimme Some Peace, Gimme Some Rest”, May 4, 2016

 

2809    11       
Capitol Tracks, correspondence from Luci Baines Johnson and William Powers, Jr., and Country Music Awards “The Bicentennial Year” Top Progressive Group award, 1976-2014

 

2809    12       
Photographs of Benson with others such as Pamela Anderson, Lyle Lovett, and former Texas Governor, Rick Perry, 1997-1998

 

2809    13       
Correspondence, Bohemian Grove 2012 Schedule of Events, and 2nd Annual Ray Benson Birthday Bash lanyard, 2005-2015

 

2809    14       
Correspondence including letters from The White House, photograph of Benson performing with Dolly Parton, and articles on Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, 2001-2015

 

2809    15       
American Profile, University of Texas Press catalog, and Austin Seniors’ Guide, 2011-2015

 

2809    16       
San Antonio Magazine, Texas Music, Texas Monthly, and The Journal of Texas Music History, 2009-2013  
         

2809    17       
Texas Medal of Arts Awards materials, 2011-2015

 

2809    18       
Graham Concert Association, Million Dollar Quartet Playbill, and Fender Certificate of Authenticity for a Vintage Telecaster Guitar, 1988-2015

 

2809    19       
Photograph of Benson with Ann Richards, undated

 

2809    20       
Photograph of Benson with President George W. Bush, signed by President George W. Bush, framed, undated

 

2809    21       
Photograph of Benson with President Bill Clinton, undated

 

2809    22       
Photograph of Benson with President Barack Obama, undated

 

2809    23       
Asleep at the Wheel with special guest Kinky Friedman and the Texas Cowboys poster, August 15, [no year]

 

2809    24       
Black and white photograph of Ray Benson, framed, undated

 

2809    25       
Black and white photograph of young Ray Benson and other children, framed, undated

 

2809    26       
“Fat Boy Rag”, “House of Blue Lights”, “The Letter That Johnny Walker Read”, “Before You Stopped Loving Me”, and “Quittin’ Time” Asleep at the Wheel 45’s, 1972-1990

 

BOX 2810 (2 of 7)

 

Box      Folder

 

2810    1         
Open reel recordings of “Choo Choo Choo Boogie”, “Don’t Roll Them Bloodshot Eyes at Me”, “Don’t Ask Me Why I’m Going to Texas”, “Our Names Aren’t Mentioned (Together Anymore)”, “Last Night I Shot Myself”, “Jumpin’ at the [Blood side]”, and “Miss Molly”, June 11-17, 1973 

 

2810    2         
“Black and White Rag” and “Dusty Boots” Asleep at the Wheel 45s, undated (1 of 2)

 

2810    3         
“Black and White Rag” and “Dusty Boots” Asleep at the Wheel 45s, undated (2 of 2)

 

2810    4         
Open reel recordings from Jack Clement Recording Studios of songs such as “Route 66”,  “Cajun Stripper”, “Lost Mino”, “Miles & Miles of Texas”,  and “If I Can’t Love You”, April 21, 1976

 

2810    5         
Black cap with orange, white, and black lettering stating “Ray Benson ASCAP Birthday Bash”, undated

 

2810    6         
Black cap with red and white Asleep at the Wheel-since 1970 logo, undated

 

2810    7         
Orange cap with blue lettering which states “ASCAP Ray Benson Birthday Bash”, undated

 

2810    8         
Blue cap with white lettering stating “Big Balls in Cowtown-Asleep at the Wheel”, undated

 

2810    9         
Orange cap with white and black lettering that states “Ray Benson-ASCAP-Birthday Bash”, undated

 

BOX 2811 (3 of 7)

 

Box      Folder

 

2811    1         
Music award and concert memorabilia such as Core Values Awards, Jazz San Javier, Austin City Limits pass, and “A Ride with Bob”, 1993-2010

 

2811    2         
Acoustic Guitar with a post-it on page 38 on “Cindy Walker 1918-2006” article, July 2006

 

2811    3         
“A Rid with Bob: From Austin to Tulsa”, photography by Brio Yiapan, booklet of photos from the production, March 5, 2005

 

2811    4         
Texas Music, Texas Monthly, and The Journal of Texas Music History, 2007-2009

 

2811    5         
“Lyrics & CD for Willie Session 8/5 & 8/6”; undated

 

2811    6         
Handwritten song lyrics of “Wheel Keeps on Rollin’”, “Quitin’ Time”, “Hot Rod Lincoln”, “Don’t Let Go”, and others, undated

 

2811    7         
Contracts and receipt with Washburn; Texas State Agenda; and certificate of Nomination for B. Iden Payne Award, 1989-2005

 

2811    8        
Photographs of Ray Benson performing, advertisements to concerts, “A Ride with Bob” booklets, and annotated “Gone But Not Forgotten” lyrics,  2004-2009      

 

2811    9         
Best in Texas: Music Magazine, Country Line Magazine, KITSAP Sun, Austin American-Statesman, and The Washington Post, 2004-2009

 

2811    10       
Texas Festival at the Kennedy Center photograph, June 11-22, 1991

 

2811    11       
Asleep at the Wheel’s The Wheel Keeps On Rollin’ and CD booklet for Texas Gold and Comin’ Right at Ya, 1995-2000

 

2811    12       
California State Senate’s Certificate of Recognition, Senate of the State of Texas certificate that the Texas flag was presented to Asleep at the Wheel’s 25th  Anniversary, and City of Austin Proclamation, 1994-1995

 

2811    13       
Country Music Association awards for Benson as producer and Asleep at the Wheel, including childhood photo of Benson at Millshade Day Camp, 1957-1994

 

2811    14       
City of Austin Proclamation for Asleep at the Wheel Day, August 31, 1999

 

2811    15       
Concert and award memorabilia for The Texas Film Hall of Fame, Austin City Limits Festival, George Strait Country Music Festival, and SXSW, 2004-2015

 

2811    16       
Articles on Benson, The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. nomination to Asleep at the Wheel, Benson’s Honorary Junior Member  certificate, and photo of Benson, 1988-2006

 

2811    17       
Handwritten song lyrics such as “Marie”, “Jingle Bell Boogie”, “Rodeo Song”,  “Hey Baby Kep-Pa-So”, “I Wish You Knew”, and “Smoke, Smoke,  Smoke”, undated

 

2811    18       
“Photo Negatives”; 8”x10” photos of Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, including photos of Asleep at the Wheel with Dolly Parton, undated

 

2811    19       
White container titled “Ray” containing photos of Benson, 1996

 

2811    20       
Photographs of Asleep at the Wheel and fans, including photo of musician, Shorty Holloway, 1996-1997


2811    21       
Postcard about proposed “Behind the Scenes” E! episode for Benson’s Route 66 Tour, 1992

 

2811    22       
Letter from Mayor, David T. Clark, from the town of Paw Paw about the Paw Paw Homecoming Benefit Concert that Asleep at the Wheel participated in; the letter was originally framed by Harry & Pat Knock, January 6, 1983-July 18, 1984

 

BOX 2812 (4 of 7)

 

2812    1        
Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Inductee award for Asleep at the Wheel, 2 red and blue city outlines, 2015

 

2810    2        
National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences award for Asleep at the Wheel for Best Country Instrumental Performance, a gold phonograph on wood stand, 1987

 

2810    3        
Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement for Performance for Asleep at the Wheel, a hand painted guitar award, 2009

 

BOX 2813 (5 of 7)       Hat Box

Ray Benson’s black cowboy hat made by Lariat Ranchwear in Austin, Texas, custom made for Benson, undated

 

BOX 2814 (6 of 7)

 

Box      Folder

 

2814    1         
Framed album covers such as The Wheel Keeps On, The Wheel Goes On, and Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, including photo of Asleep at the Wheel performing, undated

 

2814    2         
Certificate of Appreciation from the Country Music Association to Asleep at the Wheel and Lifetime Achievement Award from Texas Dance Hall Preservation to Benson, October 26, 2017

 

2814    3         
Asleep at the Wheel’s Keepin’ Me Up Nights and Western Standard Time, including Comin’ Right at Ya book covers, 1990-2015

 

2814    4         
Concert posters for Asleep at the Wheel’s 25th Anniversary Reunion Tour, A Ride with Bob from Austin to Tulsa, and others, 2006-2015

 

2814    5         
Discoveries: For Record and CD Collectors on Bob Wills, Issue 124, September 1998

 

2814    6         
Billboard magazine and Vintage Guitar magazine, 2007-2013

 

2814    7         
News clippings about Asleep at the Wheel from Ruidoso Free Press, Austin American-Statesman, The Washington Post, and Austin Chronicle, 1988-2011      


BOX 2815 (7 of 7)      

Black, white, and red shirt that Benson wore on stage often, undated

 

Guitar in Case

Guitar, “Woodie”, in case that Benson has played for the past 20 years, undated

 

Framed Items

 

1.         Austin Music Awards, Twentieth Anniversary Show poster signed by Benson, Lyle Lovett, Johnny Smith, and others, 26.25”x20.25”, 2002
 

2.         Framed gift to Asleep at the Wheel for “Congratulations on Twenty-Five Years o Keeping the Wheel Rollin’” from Capitol Nashville, 25.5”x23.5”,  September 22, 1995

 

Mapcase Dr. #4

 

1.         Signed poster for Fire Relief: The Concert for Central Texas, signed by Lyle Lovett, Dixie Chicks, Augie Meyers, and Benson, undated
 

2.         Asleep at the Wheel Remembers The Alamo poster, undated
 

3.         Fathers and Sons by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys and Asleep at the Wheel, large cover design, 1974