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

Western swing band, Asleep at the Wheel, stopped by Studio 1A to pay homage to a timeless classic, "Route 66" Sept. 4, 2013.

[@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 …

[@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. 😂

[@StacyAnneH]

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

[@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🎸

[@JaneDoe-rc3rz]

WILL FOREVER LOVE THIS BAND!!! AMEN!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@williamjohnson7427]

An Aussie here. Just turned 76. Love this .

[@ruthdixon7807]

a roaring version...fantastic.

[@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

[@tarrantcountykid]

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

[@toro5338]

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

[@rossbabcock2974]

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

[@stevehanford1753]

agree

[@johnbresnik]

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

[@standuckham3421]

John Bresnik c

[@hbarnier]

John Bresnik et une

[@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.

[@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

[@chriscline3616]

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

[@wendellguy]

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

[@sovbo101]

thank you Ray

[@pfbbe]

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

[@jamesr.mclaurin8723]

I wore this song out going across Arizona 76 W9 Kw, gear stick up against the dash with that Cat growlin and six kittens crying......truckin!!!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

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

[@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

[@redensign24]

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

[@mikemorrissey6843]

My favourite country band.

[@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!

[@clicks59]

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

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Just superb all around.

[@befmx31]

Ray Benson, I love his voice.

[@ronniekotler9265]

Just can get enough of Asleep at the Wheel

[@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!

[@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.

[@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... ;)

[@johntstanley1]

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

[@vytatlock934]

Always sound so clean.

[@jake1960ful]

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

[@eightinches6094]

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

[@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

[@johnwood551]

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

[@mikeknowles8017]

This song was written By Bobby Troupe who played Dr. Joe Early on "Emergency" and if you remember any of that you're as old as I am.

[@hrryan8208]

I remember! And he was married to Julie London who played Nurse Dixie!

[@freemanbrown3857]

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

[@patriciajrs46]

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

[@jaimejaimeChannel]

what a GREAT version!! Love the harmonies.

[@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.

[@paulandersen9492]

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

[@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.

[@dorothylingwood9926]

Brilliant arrangement guys wonderful 😍😍

[@OspreyFlyer]

Been to the markers at both ends, Santa Monica Pier and Downtown Chicago! Trying to get my kicks!

[@dmobrecht109]

Wish they’d come to Michigan. Love these guys!

[@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!!!

[@michaelmisczuk1188]

2024. I hope they're still doing it. Fantastic.

[@johnvoyce]

The star is the girl - great harmonies.

[@JWC-AirWalker]

Rosie Flores.

[@thomasedavis]

@@JWC-AirWalker That's Elizabeth McQueen.

[@petermasterson8276]

Gynocentric Bias

[@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

[@dalemcdonald9463]

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

[@GeorgeASanger]

Proud of my BROTHER!

[@uuheretic]

Gotta love Elizabeth's solo

[@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!

[@kevinbrazil1171]

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

[@ROGER2095]

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

[@johnlangley6449]

These guys are having too much damn fun I love it 😊

[@thomasmichael5940]

Alright! That's what I'm talkin' 'bout, that great Austin, Texas sound of swing!

[@lennieedwards4018]

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

[@williamrolls5077]

Hello friend, how're you doing today?

[@therainforest4314]

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

[@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.

[@JeanMarcCAVALIERLACHGAR]

Probably the best country band

[@alanowens5803]

I was on 66 in flgstaff Arizona sent post cards to my cousin that was special to me because it was from 66 on the spot!!!

[@spec1923]

Always great. A really tight band that sounds loose and having fun.

[@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.

[@martinjacobs5099]

Never gets old! Love it!

[@wrdlmbrt1956]

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

[@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.

[@ronniekotler9265]

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

[@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!!

[@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 !!!

[@alward5678]

Out of this world. Swinging from Heaven. Wow

[@krysterobertson6139]

love this music makes me want too get up and dance my dad drove through gallyup new Mexico and Falstaff Arizona dIrving a big 18 wheeler. love you daddy and sure miss you.

[@anfrankogezamartincic1161]

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

[@wm.jackson4284]

Cant wait for this pandemic to be over and going to see touring bands again. AaTW will be one of the first I buy tickets too.

[@leslietrefethen6998]

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

[@gollum3232]

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

[@anthonyhaylock6655]

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

[@charlesmellin9930]

Fantastic version of this song

[@mikebarnard7957]

Great rendition!

[@arthurogle7581]

Liz you are a certified gas. Killer pipes!!!

[@nealbutlerguitar]

Who else loves Dave millers bass on this?

[@wadepayne-om2hn]

I wish I could play the bass guitar but I’m disabled but I love asleep at the wheel. I get lucky and got a pick from Ray Bensen.

[@landlandnat]

Heading west on Rt 66 right now! From OKC ... love this band!

[@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

[@waynewatkins4649]

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

[@michaelnaretto3409]

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

[@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..

[@MrGrahamxyz]

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

[@dbreardon]

Would love an all day concert with Asleep at the Wheel, Texas Tornados and the Mavericks. Now that is what I would call a fun day!

[@simivalleyparanormal1630]

Who were you thinking of when we were making love last night? Love that song by the Tornados.

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

Man that was spectacular..bravo 👏👏👏

[@lowrider4405]

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

[@johnireland6301]

Masters of their craft at work.

[@CowboyStag]

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

[@PHX10100]

Still blows my mind growing up watching "Emergency" that Bobby Troupe wrote this and his hot babe wife Julie London. Correct?

[@91Bear]

Dr. Joe Early and his wife Julie London played Nurse Dixie McCall.

[@davidsanders1991]

You are correct, Sir.

[@cavecookie1]

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

[@nadinemarie3811]

These guys and lady are great. Love this song.

[@williamrolls5077]

Hello friend, how're you doing today?

[@sidneysmith8787]

If you have never heard of "Asleep at the Wheel!" then you aren't from Austin, Tx...BUT NEW YORK CITY????? GIT A ROPE!!!