- Ray Benson
Infobox Musical artist
Name = Ray Benson
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Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Ray Benson Siefert [ [http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/benson_ray/bio.jhtml CMT.com : Ray Benson : Biography ] ]
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Born =March 16 ,1951 cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:acftxqr5ldte~T00|title=All Music Guide - Ray Benson|accessdate=2007-12-17|author=|publisher="All Media Guide "]
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Origin =Philadelphia ,Pennsylvania
Instrument =Guitar cite web|url=http://www.asleepatthewheel.com/set_story.html|title=AATW Story - Ray Benson|accessdate=2007-12-17|author=|publisher="Asleep at the Wheel "]
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Genre =Western Swing ,Country Music
Occupation = Singer, Songwriter, Producer
Years_active = 1969 - Present
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Associated_acts =Asleep at the Wheel
URL = [http://www.raybenson.com www.raybenson.com]
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Notable_instruments =Ray Benson is the front man of the legendary Western swing band
Asleep at the Wheel .In 1970, Benson, a
Jewish native ofPhiladelphia , formed Asleep at the Wheel with friendsLucky Oceans andLeroy Preston . The group relocated to Austin in 1973 after a suggestion fromWillie Nelson .Since then, the group has released more than 20 albums and earned 9
Grammy awards. Though the band's lineup has changed greatly over the years (about 90 people have been part of Asleep at the Wheel at some point), Benson has always remained at the helm as the band's driving force.In addition to his work with Asleep at the Wheel, Benson is also an accomplished producer whose credits include albums by
Dale Watson ,Suzy Bogguss ,Aaron Watson , James Hand andCarolyn Wonderland ; also single tracks for Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Brad Paisley, Pam Tillis, Trace Adkins, Merle Haggard, and Vince Gill.In 2003, Benson released his first solo album, Beyond Time.
Benson is also a founding member of the
Rhythm and Blues Foundation , which raises money to help agingR&B artists, and a member of the board of directors of theSIMS Foundation , which provides low-cost mental health services to Austin musicians and their families. He is also a trustee for the Texas chapter of NARAS, board member of St Davids Community Health Foundation, Board member and founding member of HAAM, health alliance for Austin musicians.www.aridewithbob.com
References
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