A Ride With Bob: The Bob Wills Musical

A Ride With Bob is a two-act musical tribute to Western swing king Bob Wills, conceived by screenwriter Anne Rapp and Wills' biggest disciple, Ray Benson of the band Asleep at the Wheel.
www.aridewithbo...

[@georgeloyie9025]

My dad turned 20 in 1945 and as a young adventurous man, drove his GMC truck from Alberta Canada down to Chicago and he welded there for a time then traveled further into the USA where he worked and made some cash but the real treasures he brought back to little old Redwater Alberta was the music he collected in his travels... He had guitars, fiddles, a bass and boxes of records and reel to reel tapes of Bob Wills and everything like it and he even used his old reel to reel tape player to play the Bob Wills tapes in the Black Knight Tavern in my little town, everyone danced and had fun and though I was just 8 or 9 years old I miss the parties mom and dad had after the bar closed, lots of nice talented folks came to play this kind of music at our house. Everything's gone now, dad died and his collection suspiciously disappeared. But I let that go, had to and now I go to stores that sell old stuff from time to time, Sally Ann kind of stores and just the other day for 5 dollars I got 3 Bob Wills records, 2 Eddy Arnold and a near perfect Herman's Hermits 1967 record!! I'll rebuild Dad's collection and I'll be sure to leave it to someone that'll enjoy it and play it loud and clear like my dad did and now I turn 'em up too. Friendly happy music, it makes my world a better place.

[@genez429]

It might have been 1982-83 ish... Living in western Massachusetts. Watching Austin City Limits one night on TV. Towards the end, the show panned to a band playing out in a street in daylight. A band of older guys I never saw before. I had no idea who they were. All I knew is that they swung beautifully, and and had me feeling happy and good. I liked their music better than the other guests on the show that night. When it ended... I asked myself: "Who are these Playboys?" Their music sounded terrific! I wanted to find out if anyone knew who they were.. A few weeks later while talking with some musicians I was hanging with, one told me It was Bob Will's band.. the Texas Playboys. Bob who? Soon after I bought the album "For the Last Time - Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys." Funny thing was? .. At that time I thought I was discovering some new talent!!! ;) better late than never!

[@cynthiakoonce3089]

My husband and I got to see this play in Austin and it was fantastic! Asleep at the Wheel, Jason Roberts, the Quebe Sisters and allow the cast were so memorable that I still remember everything 17 years later. It wasn't until halfway through the show we realized that Mrs. Wills was sitting behind us. I was singing along and she asked how I knew the songs. I told her my daddy and she said I was raised right. My home IS in San Antone.

[@panchocgk]

My wife & I saw this show at the Majestic Theater in San Antonio, Texas & I'm so thankful that we did. Jason did an AMAZING job as Bob. I grew up in South Texas listening to Bob Wills Music & this play was absolutely great.

[@thoughtsofjoy6010]

My Dad was a cousin to Bob Wills. Their entire family played instruments and sang - and can they dance. I cry every time I watch these.

[@boudreaux1]

This is the first time see this. I've seen the Quebe sisters but never something from the beginning of their career. What a special treat! Hat's off to Asleep at the Wheel and Hat's off to The King.

[@jimfiedler2704]

I had the pleasure of seeing the " Ride with Bob" stage production 3 times, one of which I took my dad, in his 90's, to see and hear the music of a man he had seen and danced to many years ago...

[@jimfiedler2704]

I was privileged to see this production "Ride with Bob" THREE times and take my Dad, in his 90's, to see it also...He had seen Bob in person, danced to his music, and been a fan all his life...

[@SADDLTRAMPKeith]

I am lost in time as I feel I should have lived during that time and Bob started that dream. I romanticize that time, The 30's, 40's and early 50's. I know it was a hard life but a good clean moral life as we seem to have lost that today. It was by far The Greatest Generation

[@MrBillnorton]

As a child I remember listening to my dad's 78 rpm records of Bob Wills and nearly wearing them out. I started playing bass in the West Texas clubs in my early teens. Western Swing was big back then.Bob Wills was truly the King. Hoyle Nix was in Big Springs and also had a great band. I was working in a house Band in Hobbs N.M in 1968. Bob had sold the Playboys to Leon Rausch. Sam Gibbs was booking Bob and Tag lambert. into clubs in the southwest.They booked into the Belaire Lounge in Hobbs. Our band backed them.The greatest thrill of my life was playing behind THE OLD MAN. The great Bob Wills. I will never forget that night.What a great tribute to have Ray Benson and Asleep at the wheel do Bobs story.

[@dcgilleland]

Was There-Done That! Still got the ticket stub when it came off in Austin March 6th, 2005. Was good to see our friend Jody Nix in the mix as he knew, played, and sang with Bob as a kid. Been with Wills since Oct '68 when my Daddy told me who he was as they put him in the hall of fame in nashville. I was 13 years old then and spent a many a hard earned dollar chasin' fiddle bands ever since! Duke Gilleland, Belton Texas

[@michaelhillman]

I've listened to a lot of Bob Wills music, and I greatly appreciate what Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel have done to keep that sound alive - keep up the great work Ray, truly Western Swing Isn't Dead, its Asleep At The Wheel!!

[@riodosa40]

I think I could just watch this over and over. Jason for sure comes out as Bob Wills as nobody could had been any better pick. Ahhhh!

[@duckscrubber07]

Please make this available on DVD! My kids are getting tired of watching this clip over and over -- and so am I! We want to see the whole "A Ride With Bob".

[@terrybuc]

Couldn't agree more.I need to see the complete show.

[@johngebhardt9514]

Yes I would be on the list to buy the whole DVD

[@johnacord5664]

After viewing to videos on S.H.T.F., I can't think of anything more uplifting than good Bob Wills Texas music.

[@lawrencelewis8105]

I've been a fan of Asleep for over 40 years, first saw them in Roslyn, New York in a place called, "My Father's Place" as best I can recall. The last time was in a long-closed place called "The Saloon" In Toronto in 1996. Been a fan of Bob's just about as long. The music doesn't get old! I would have loved to have seen this show.

[@tchapman1977]

Magnificent! I love it! There's nothing better than Texas swing music & I'll forever be grateful to Bob Wills for making it so popular! Thanks ever so much for posting this!! God Bless from Kentucky! :)

[@johnwood551]

Ray HAS kept Bob Wills alive. Have loved them both for over 50 years !! Would love to see this.

[@haggardsno1fan]

Nobody is more of a Bob Wills fan than I; and I am and Jason does a superb job playing Bob Wills; his acting skills are only exceeded by his musical skills!!! But, then again, JASON isn't acting;JASON is just being JASON and playing that WESTERN SWING!

[@rogertower5551]

I am replying to you on my son's account. I agree with everyword regarding Jason Roberts.

[@riodosa40]

That performance was great and, very thoughtful! We need more of these kind of performance. Take it away Leon!

[@josephsardena3525]

As I have only recently discovered Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys on here. This gives me an insight of the early years. I have followed all the music they have done on here and so impressed. Such a shame they never came over to England as they would have been superstars here ! I tell my friends that There is a King in Texas ! I have a lot to thank KZbin for these amazing history of American music !

[@imacomputerbuddie]

i have found some one else in the UK who loves the music of Bob Wills where i live no one has a clue. It don't mnatter who's in Texas Bob Wills is still the King

[@jimfiedler2704]

I saw this show three times in two different venues and was able to take my Dad, who had seen Bob in person and danced to his music for years...

[@garyharris1932]

Ray Benson you are the best. Some of your detractors want Bob Wills resurrected and anything less is not good enough. Kelso Herston was the last musician who saw Bob lucid. He helped him to his car, While stationed in Denver 1951 Bob played a show date there and I keep kicking myself for not attending.

[@jcreateturner]

Only got to listen to Bob Wills on recordings, but for tributes it's a toss up between Merle Haggard's Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World and this play. Thank you Ray Benson and Jason Roberts.

[@ronaldsanders2824]

I saw "A Ride with Bob" at the Majestic Theater in San Antonio - it was magical!

[@excidedous]

Just returned from this show in Claremore, Oklahoma - by far without a thought, the finest presentation I have ever seen - Thank You Ray Benson for one fine evening!

[@PaulLevesque-nd2nb]

Ray Benson Keep up the good work about Preservation of the good old music, and introducing some new members that keep the good stuff up!!!

[@radiobob805]

How did I miss this. I wonder if I could repost it on my channel. Over a hundred videos with Bob Wills music. Radiobob805. Check out the radio interview with Bob Wills & Tommy Duncan from 1960 on KGER radio. We played some of Bob's records while he listened...things he had not heard in years. At the time they had their first hit in ten years with Heart To Heart Talk, and were riding high again.

[@laurachandlertippett8989]

Apparently you didn't see the same show I did. My dad was a huge Wills fan, so that's the music I grew up with. This was "Ride With Bob", not the "Tommy Duncan Story"; while Duncan was very important to Wills' success, this is Wills story. There were times in Wills career when "the band" was Bob, his fiddle and bottle. Look at the big picture. Jason nailed it.

[@MrStrauss1965]

Wonderful. Thanx for posting this.

[@md1960md]

Seeing the Quebe Sisters at such a young age (6:06) is a real treat.

[@Dulcimerea]

"Things [which are] too wonderful for me: the way of an eagle in the sky; the way of a serpent on a rock; the way of a ship in the middle of the sea; the way of a man with a maid; and the way of CHICKS WITH FIDDLES!." -Proverbs 30:19 (REVISED)

[@IanRob2011]

Two great bands

[@kathyrountree3397]

Wonderful!

[@yvonnewilliams8579]

Good Evening.. Y'all I Love My Family More and More Each Day.. Always And Forever.....

[@michaeledwardharris]

This looks excellent.

[@TexExpatriate1]

I grew up on Bob Wills and first heard him---to remember it!---when I was 3 or 4.

[@MrMarkar1959]

thanks for the reminder, i got a couple LP's of his. wow, thats 50 years ago

[@christopherbrown9880]

Where is the DVD of that show? I would purchase it and watch it at least once a week to lighten my heart.

[@yvonnewills-williams2745]

Watching ACM AWARDS and Listening To My Family....

[@daveaspen6775]

FANTASTIC!!!! SO LOVE, AND MISS IN "THE WHEEL" JASON ROBERTS!

[@ronniebishop2496]

That movie idea Deep Within My Heart should be done. Granite productions from Austin has it.

[@garyharris1932]

The steel player is playing a Rickenbacker.........I'v had mine since 1953. Jerry bird used one for several years.

[@budw84]

You can hear the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee, It's the home of country music on that some folks agree. But once you cross that old Red River, hoss that just don't mean a thing, cause once you're down in Texas, Bob Wills is still the King!!! Aah, haa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@leanajo754]

Bob Wills was the King of Texas Music ... Asleep At The Wheel are the crowned Princes/Princesses of Texas Music.

[@sandracooper2390]

Bob Wills music is the best!!!!

[@ericadoss2959]

Ooo I'm getting chills....

[@4dixieland]

Is that Jody Nix playing fiddle also?

[@hot88s23]

Love the young Quebe Sisters at 6:08.

[@antoniomsalazar2738]

Deep heart Texas bob wills.

[@DalonCole]

It don't matter whose in Austin. Bob Wills is still the KING!!!

[@johnjurkewicz9925]

👍👍👍👍 I love it so great 👍👍👍👍

[@charlesbennett2626]

It don't matter who is in Austin bob wills is still the king of Texas

[@ericadoss2959]

"With all due respect!" Awwwwee yea talk on talk on!"

[@ronniebishop2496]

I saw Bob Wills in 1972 in Duncan Oklahoma for the first and last time. He recorded the Last Time album in 73, in Dallas and though I knew almost all about him, my hippy friends hadn’t, until that album. They were turned on to Bob Wills and Wills and Waylon. Phases and Stages by Willie and David Allen Coe.

[@garyharris1932]

The Rickenbacker steel looks out of place. I have one just like it. It was shipped to me in Furstenfeldbruck, Germany by my music teacher, Miss Mary Smith of Nashville.

[@bbxx44]

Incredible! Will we have get to see this in the Boston area?

[@5thcorps]

Don't be surprised. Tommy never ever got the credit he deserved. Without Tommy, Bob I'm sure would have lasted about a month after leaving the Light Crust Doughboys. My Grandpa Glynn Duncan (Tommy's Brother) just passed away last week, and he said until the day he died Tommy was underappreciated and overshadowed.

[@northwoodshippie]

Woo Whee, check out that handsome Eddie Rivers on the Steel Guitar!!

[@chetmyers7041]

4:05 This woman's voice reminds me of Dinah Shore.

[@decoycarver17]

Good band btw Right up there with Bobs

[@rikkemerson2190]

the girl singers were the only ones who captured the spirit of wills

[@mcmahonml]

Where is Mr Shamblin in these scenes?

[@decoycarver17]

Were's Tommy Duncan?

[@4dixieland]

who is the other fiddle player with Jason in the beginning?

[@SuperEddierivers]

Haydn Vitera

[@SuperEddierivers]

Also Jody Nix

[@randyjones4565]

P 1576third on the list

[@rueridge7597]

Nice. Only thing wrong is. Jason's playing. Bob was not a very good fiddler. Jason s talent far exceeds any bob had. At least as far as fiddling goes.

[@TheOneTrueKaliban]

'Pretty nice, but nobody "did (our) thing" in 1934. Feel me, dawg? YOWZA!

[@tomrayburn9877]

rikkemerson you and 5thcorps need to go back to your kenny cheeseney records and leave the grownup music to the grownups.....you have no clue

[@5thcorps]

Not man, Hank Williams, Bob Wills, Tommy Duncan, Glynn Duncan (My adopted Granda) new how to play music. This Wheel show was a total mess, corny hokey with no inspired performances what so ever. Grandpa Glynn couldn't stand Asleep at the Wheel. Get a clue yourself.

[@TheGhost5600]

I doubt very much that Bob Wills would have made that comment @ 2:02 I hate when shows have to put in that racial crap!

[@rikkemerson2190]

Glynn Duncan told me Bob was all over the stage, shouting out to the band, the dancers and the folks standing on the side of the dance floor. And sorry Jason but Bob was a showman of immense proportions, right up there with Cab Calloway and Louis Prima. Your performance was lackluster and uninspired. Benson will not stop until western swing will only be remembered as the crap he plays.

[@GradyPhilpott]

Not as long as there's KZbin. Benson cannot aspire to be Bob Wills, but he can do exactly what he's been doing for decades and that's sparking interest in a style of music that might have just faded away in a fog of heavy metal, hip hop, disco, and what passes for country music these days. As for Jason Roberts, he does an incredible job of assuming the character of Wills on stage. This musical is a stage production, not a time machine to take those with a lack of imagination back in actual time to see the actual performers of old.

[@lydiagayleellis1967]

Hooray Grady!

[@5thcorps]

The only thing Jason "Nailed" was the coffin in which he and Ray Benson are burying Western Swing.