Asleep At The Wheel - Route 66 (Live in Studio 1A)

[@michaelcoe210]

In the early 70s I happened on a free concert on the mall in DC. Asleep At The Wheel, Hot Tuna and, weirdly, Alice Cooper. I'd never heard of Asleep At The Wheel before, but they blew me away. Over the years, they've made a lot of people very happy.

[@tetedur377]

I discovered them in the mid-70s by going into a Peaches Records & Tapes in Tulsa, OK. I told the young man there I was going on a road trip to Kansas and needed some driving music, so he recommended Asleep. I'm glad he did. All these years later, I have every album they've put out.

[@garyhalmbacher6875]

I first saw them 1971 or 2 in Ann Arbor. They were the opening act for Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen.

[@sovbo101]

Your steel player reminds me of my childhood. Cowboy hat rolled up, short sleeves rolled up. And the female reminds me of my 3 stepsisters. I am in Heaven!

[@HarleyBales]

Made many trips on route 66, love western swing!! Seen these guys live!! It's like my theme song!!! They get your feet movin''

[@roserollins9471]

Back in 1975 on my first date with my late husband Asleep at the Wheel was playing on the jukebox the song was The Letter Johnny Walker Read we were married for 39yrs and this group of special musicians still bring me great memories

[@j40bob1]

388 people gave it thumbs down. How is that possible? Western swing is happy music and no one does it better than this band.

[@MrPhilfridge]

Not responsible for any dislike, but there is an element of jazz in this bands sound and a lot of people hate jazz, plus the best versions of this song for me tend to be by British 60's r n b bands who introduce a rawness into the song which grab me far more than this. I like this bands authenticity but not everything they do

[@rogerpaddock6785]

Amen 40bob

[@asommer518]

@@MrPhilfridge Jazz? more like Western Swing, I never considered this an R&B song. Given the Brits never actually drove Route 66 while touring unlike this band. I'll have to look up these Brit versions.

[@MrPhilfridge]

@@asommer518 Well yes , i would strongly associate Asleep at the Wheel with western swing , but to my ears theres jazz in that genre and it comes through on this version. The song was an absolute staple of British bands set list in the early to mid 60's , inspired no doubt by the Stones version on their debut album .

[@JDOTVegas]

This is a throwback. KZbin took away the thumbs down count when they realized it was revealing all the lies about Biden support. 😂

[@tomtaylor7125]

I've told my wife if she wakes up some morning and thinks that I have died that before calling the undertaker put some head phones on me and plug this song in. If there is an ounce of life left in me my right leg will start pumpin and I will soon be up and jumpin around.

[@clairharrison1463]

😂😂😂

[@jamalgeorge3582]

Daww!❤

[@jamesbergen2527]

Bobby Troup and his (then) wife Cynthia Harez, a singer, were driving from Chicago to LA for their music work, and as they left she popped up and said, “Get your kicks on Route 66!” A cute line, and stuck in Bobby’s mind. The rest is …

[@revpawpaw]

Ray and the band are incredible. They've been doing this over 40 years. Never quitting or compromising. Sometimes working just for food. They've stuck to it. I love their music and will always be a fan. They deserve everything they are enjoying. They've earned it.

[@raymondmaynard2438]

That’s. Real musicians when play to eat

[@corys3440]

There the best!

[@wendellguy]

Never gets old. I think I've watched this a thousand times!

[@jelipe54]

I have 35 years living in San Bernardino and the Route 66 festival is phenomenal every year a festival that brings together many people.

[@tarrantcountykid]

This is my favorite group of musicians for Asleep at the Wheel

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I grew up on Rock and Roll and the Beatles, but this became my sustenance for decades. Thanks for keeping the flame alive.

[@toro5338]

The BEST western swing group ever❗❗❗👍💪👏

[@yvonnepeters1914]

I knew there was a reason I clicked on this one! This baby rocks!!! 😃

[@elois2002]

I saw them live in this small bar somewhere in the San Jose area in California probably in 1975 maybe 1976. They were great. But I wasn't listening to country music then so I never heard much of the music. I still like it.

[@DonBryantPhotography]

I love Country Swing, I think this may have been recorded by Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys, the originator of Country Swing. Glad I found this group, I can listen to this all night long.

[@pfbbe]

Is, was, and will ever be the best version of Route 66👍

[@JaneDoe-rc3rz]

WILL FOREVER LOVE THIS BAND!!! AMEN!!

[@johnbresnik]

Their version keeps getting better with time... great band.

[@standuckham3421]

John Bresnik c

[@hbarnier]

John Bresnik et une

[@RichardZempel]

I've heard Asleep at the Wheel do this many times but this version especially tickled me with the lovely strange and unexpectedly special and varying vocal approaches each soloist took, AND THEN how sweetly harmonic and tightly phrased their group vocals were. Wow!

[@like2view]

I couldn't agree more.. most of the ques come from an early album called Wheelin' and Dealin' Ray doesn't sing lead .. it may be Jason. but the piano and the running fills from both the steel and the fiddle keep the groove.. it may even have either two fiddles or maybe some saxes ..either way this version kicks ass for those reasons you so aptly mentioned!

[@Mcountryboy]

I love this song. I was very impressed by your performance and singing. I`m happy to share this video. Best regard from Japan. 🎶M countryboy🎸

[@StacyAnneH]

This song was written by Bobby Troup. Some of you may remember him as Dr. Early on Emergency

[@jonisayre8091]

70 years old here - yes, Bobby Troup! Married to "Dix" in real life 😊 While I was paying attention to Mr. Fuller, my sis had 'tweener hots for Randy Mantooth...good times!

[@rossbabcock2974]

This has to been one of THE best covers! Asleep at the Wheel showcased so many great musicians!

[@stevehanford1753]

agree

[@ruthdixon7807]

a roaring version...fantastic.

[@sovbo101]

thank you Ray

[@martinjacobs5099]

Never gets old! Love it!

[@redensign24]

damn this is such a tight performance, best rendition of this song I ever expect to hear or see

[@johnwood551]

Have loved those guys for 40 years and even met them once and got to talk with them. GREAT !!!

[@mygoddess1]

Thanx mucho, I'm grateful I got to see Ray & asleep at the wheel in N.M. with Chris O'Connell They were 1 hour late & when they arrived the little bar was jumping...people dancing on table tops tee hee hee and they had bales of hay to sit on...what a nite...so lucky am I. TY KUTX :)

[@williamrolls5077]

Hello friend, how're you doing today?

[@Bobby-bg7gd]

Hello 👋 how are you doing today can we be friends if you don’t mind

[@ronniekotler9265]

Just can’t get enough of Asleep at the Wheel!

[@jake1960ful]

You definitely don't fall Asleep At The wheel with this great version. Love this...

[@clicks59]

The vocal share is the bomb! What a great mix of vocalists. Great mix and engineering too.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Just superb all around.

[@therainforest4314]

I've been enjoying the hell out of Asleep At the wheel since the mid 70's, and I still do. :-)

[@johntstanley1]

Never been or never be a voice like Brother Ray's. God blessed us all..

[@mikemorrissey6843]

My favourite country band.

[@toro5338]

In my opinion...THE BEST "Route 66" ... performance ever played. Great has been Ray, with Jason + Elisabeth and of course all the group's players ! Thanks for posting it. 👍👍👍

[@stevehanford1753]

Agree!!! YES

[@1946nimrod]

Much respect to the Recordist - the balance is perfect, especially the Bass!

[@datcolsol]

Agree! Why does the bass have to mixed up so high these days? Is it, "A little is good, so more must be better"?

[@JiveDadson]

I was thinking the bass was too loud. But not too too loud.

[@hurvinek6683]

@@JiveDadson When I listen to this song in my office, the bass is a little bit dominant, but at home the sound is nearly perfect... at least for my old ears... ;)

[@MrDorbel]

The massive talent that is Ray Benson, kept Western Swing alive for the modern generation. Thanks Ray and thanks for posting!

[@eightinches6094]

Agreed.

[@sajidsadique1900]

?Mlabiku

[@leslietrefethen6998]

Listening to these guys really makes me homesick for my home state, Texas. Great band!

[@robertrindler7897]

This is now my favorite version of this tune!!!!!

[@like2view]

mine too...mainly because it'S so accessible ... the studio version from Wheelin' and Dealin' is the only competition!!!

[@johnvastola7748]

There are many versions of this tune; maybe more than 50. The Wheel is my favorite one.

[@petecartwright5211]

What a beautifully tight band. The 4-part vocal harmony just kills it. So smooth and McQueens voice/talent/look is incredible. She's a good guitar player too... Nobody plays this music any better.

[@stevehanford1753]

Yes!!!!!

[@kathycorcoran1589]

I love the boogie woogy piano too! These guys are still awesome! 🎶♥️♥️♥️

[@johnjean8743]

This is as good as it gets! Such a tight band.

[@THEDANCINGFLOWER1]

I loved this song, Thanx for bring back a beautiful memory

[@jaimejaimeChannel]

what a GREAT version!! Love the harmonies.

[@freemanbrown3857]

Perfection is infinite. And this is one. One of many Route 66 performances. Few reach this level.

[@Patrick-jl6if]

I'M FROM NEW MEXICO USA 🇺🇸 AND I LOVE IT WHEN THEY MENTION GALLUP NEW MEXICO USA 🇺🇸.

[@Sonny_V]

"Western Swing ain't Dead, It's Asleep at the Wheel!"

[@TheFishdoctor1952]

Great call.

[@nealbutlerguitar]

If western swing ever dies America will die

[@patriciajrs46]

Ever so true!! They are so good!!

[@jefferycomer860]

Love it

[@norezenable]

class act. asleep at the wheel best band ever.

[@patrickwear1356]

Mui

[@brentholman168]

I'm Glad To Be Alive To Experience This.

[@patriciajrs46]

Asleep is great!! Love their songs. All of them.

[@waynewatkins4649]

Just love this band's best ever version of Route 66 ................... bloody brilliant

[@paulandersen9492]

I have followed these guys since the 70's. Great band and great music. You see them and you cannot help but smile.

[@stevecook8941]

Almost 50 years I have been a huge fan of AATW...Ray Benson thankfully keeps to his original concept of providing the best country swing music and performances.

[@tracykingston9668]

He sure knows how to pick the most beautiful and talented gals to be in the band ; such as Elizabeth Mcqueen, Cindy Cashdollar, and Katie Shore.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Gee whiz, we can’t omit Chris O’Connell who helped launch AATW and filled the female voice and rhythm guitar role for a decade and a half!

[@kevinbrazil1171]

This has to be my all time favorite version of this song!

[@jasonjohnson9478]

A wonderful song from a great band that I have enjoyed since high school.

[@peterulrich497]

While I was at UT Austin in the early 1970's I heard these guys so many times. The best western swing in the history of planet Earth

[@jimf6427]

Thanks for coming to Troy, NY in 1983.

[@toro5338]

In my opinion, one of the best performance ever heard, of "Route 66". The swing, within in it, goes down inside of you, like a sweet wine (for the Ladies), or better (for Us), like a Tennessee whiskey 😁🙋‍♂️🇨🇭 A great cheering 👏👍👏👍to : Ray, Jason and to the fantastic Elizabeth ! Woowwww !!!

[@dbreardon]

I saw these guys back in college in the late 70's/early 80's....and then again in the 90's when I lived in Texas. Fantastic!

[@mwilson7345]

dbreardon Armadillo world headquarters - Austin Texas !!

[@nmc8327]

Yep, in the 70's, 80's and then again in 2005. Always fun

[@kimjasso9953]

Saw these guys in Oak Park IL. probably 1979 with my best friend of 40 years now. We drank A LOT of beer am danced our asses off. So much fun..

[@rockindaddy9]

Wow........these guys are just sooooooo damn good!! Best version I've ever heard!

[@davec7759]

Back in the mid 70's here in Oz I was introduced to a bloke by the name of Bob Wills during a smoking session at a friends place and went out the next day and bought For the Last Time. I remember my mate saying "This piano player is so far out of key he's a fucking genius". Then I needed more and I found The Wheel, and I've never looked back. I still love most other genres, but you can't beat country swing when it's plated by genii.

[@anthonyhaylock6655]

Dang I’ve heard a few version by these guys but this one is awesome , everyone’s voices are amazing

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

Man that was spectacular..bravo 👏👏👏

[@pinheadjohnny5190]

Now this is real music!! Been a fan for years, so keep it going guys.

[@williamjohnson7427]

An Aussie here. Just turned 76. Love this .

[@lennieedwards4018]

Yeah, boy!! That's my kind of music! FANTASTIC!

[@williamrolls5077]

Hello friend, how're you doing today?

[@alward5678]

Out of this world. Swinging from Heaven. Wow

[@chriscline3616]

don't get any better than Asleep at the Wheel! best version of this song EVER!

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Saw Ray and a very early version of his crew in the summer of 1973 at Tulagi’s in BoCo. “Comin’ Right At Ya” had just been released. Good times!

[@lowrider4405]

Thank you very much, Muchas gracias , Vielen Dank , What a beautiful performance ♥♥♥🥰🥰😍😍🤩🥰😎👍👍

[@cavecookie1]

I got my kicks on Rt. 66 for 15 years! No one does it quite like Asleep at the Wheel. Love this band!

[@kenvarnold3659]

One of the best groups I have ever heard...saw live in the 90's...just brought down the house

[@CowboyStag]

The quintessential style The definition of whatever it is My hat’s off to you

[@anfrankogezamartincic1161]

This song is impossible to ruin,sounds great in every style

[@BryanBowser]

New find - yay! Fun arrangment, harmonies. Love the difference in the voices. What a great band!

[@eightinches6094]

If you've never seen this band live you should, they're awesome.

[@CaptRich-bi3gp]

I know Bobby Troup wrote the song years ago, but these folks here own it; I'll tell you what! I love the music these folks play; they make my soul Boogie!!!

[@7884golfguru]

Now a huge fan,❤️these guys and gal,I need to play more uptempo like this when I play my next gig ,better start practicing,thanks for the inspiration ❤️👍

[@175IQLOSERS]

About 37yrs ago in AZ I got on stage with this group and played a couple songs... Memories....

[@nealbutlerguitar]

I would like to know who you are and what you did onstage

[@175IQLOSERS]

@@nealbutlerguitar Age getting to me I guess... I was asleep at the wheel when I wrote that, because it was not Asleep at the Wheel... It was the "Original" Chuck Wagon and the Wheels (before they sold the rights to the name in 2000) It was in the late 70's early 80's..in Tucson, they were a country band of rockin sorts... I was a professional harmonica player (still do play, now and then for family, friends and myself) and a backup vocalist. There was actually an article long ago that did mention the similarities of Chuck Wagon and the Wheels to Asleep at the Wheel... Anyway, I hope that answered your question.

[@dorothylingwood9926]

Brilliant arrangement guys wonderful 😍😍

[@eddiebrennan5209]

I came looking for this song. And you ya'll know why. This unforgettable song and a great moment in time.

[@JeanMarcCAVALIERLACHGAR]

Probably the best country band

[@HughMartell]

My favourite song by AATW. Thanks for sharing!

[@AlexMcCullie]

one of my favorite versions

[@ParkerBG]

I recently read a book covering the entire history of Route 66 with a breakdown of the route state by state. I was born in 1986. I missed out on the good ole days in the worst way 😭 I would sell my soul for a classic two week road trip down Route 66 from Chicago to the Pacific!

[@cavecookie1]

I lived in Oatman, AZ for 10 years in the 90's. A truly memorable time in my life! Great times in a tiny, little town!

[@AVweb]

These guys have it all. Guitars, steel, fiddle and Elizabeth McQueen!

[@roadking99jokerst60]

AVweb Right. Saw them in Council Bluffs some years back. Elizabeth was super.

[@PlanetRockJesus]

Yes, she's really a good singer.

[@josephopyoke5981]

Talkin Bout Nawlins scuzz Twitter Scuzz tweety

[@TheKatielina07]

Whether it was Bus, Car, or RV.... Route 66 was the road to my best times so far in MY 79 years. ✌️

[@davidpaul5465]

You Said it! These Guys Have It All.

[@bluzcompany2293]

One of my all time favorite bands, keepin it old school...

[@MrGrahamxyz]

It don’t get much better than that…..Fffffantastic !👍👍

[@sallyk7363]

The Precision with which you execute this song is phenomenal thank you thank you thank you

[@HoneysuckleRoseSmelledGreat]

I got my introduction to Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel during the summer of 1986 in Kerrville, Texas. They performed at the fundraiser for Kinky Friedman's quest to be Kerr County Justice of the Peace at the Y.O. Hilton off of Interstate 10. "The Kinkster" was a regular at the bar I worked at in Kerrville. What a night. Anyway, I've been a HUGE fan ever since.

[@carolyngallagher6094]

I have to keep playing this song over and over It’s the greatest

[@wrdlmbrt1956]

There's only one group and one way to hear harmony that awesome ... and that's " Asleep at the Wheel " .... 👍😎

[@jeannekochersperger9871]

Have seen them live many times!!!! Took my request of Pancho and Lefty!! They are THE best!!

[@dalemcdonald9463]

To be this smooth, you have to have a damn good smooth Drummer.

[@GeorgeASanger]

Proud of my BROTHER!

[@briangupton1667]

Timeless! Was the best thing to listen to in the mid 70's! HAHA and now!

[@johnfairweather9188]

Such a clean and tasteful version. Thanks.

[@michaelnaretto3409]

You all sound wonderful. I love that type of piano playing.

[@ROGER2095]

I've been a fan since 1975 and if they ever made a bad record, I never heard it.

[@johnimler3179]

Can't get enough of this cover of "Route 66". I'm pretty sure Bobby Troup is kindly smiling down.

[@bentonknox5240]

Im gonna be honest, I found this by accident looking for a driver’s ed video but this is amazing

[@samchandlerllc5104]

Awesome, huh?

[@groberts3967]

Ha, don’t fall asleep at the wheel!

[@imbillyp]

That’s funny. Looking for driver’s ed get sent to asleep at the wheel. Damn quarantine, too much yt

[@davec7759]

Don't crash your fucking car!!

[@gollum3232]

That is some kick-ass boogie right there, hitting the sweet spot.