Philadelphia starts the Western Swing revival (of course, yo

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 9 Sep 2000 9:58 pm

from www.tipworld.com

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL REVIVES WESTERN SWING

In 1969, western swing was all but forgotten in Nashville, but in Philadelphia, three rock and rollers named Ray Benson Seifert, Leroy Preston, and Reuben Gosfield fell under its spell. They learned a few songs, went through a few band members, and then decided to move south to Paw Paw, West Virginia, where they honed their chops in local bars and honky-tonks. By 1971, they were calling themselves Asleep at the
Wheel, a name Gosfield thought up while sitting in an outhouse. Two band mates also took on new names themselves: Seifert dropped his last name to become Ray Benson, and Gosfield became Lucky Oceans. Early
band members also included Chris O'Connell, who joined right out of high school, and Jim Haber, who became known as Floyd Domino. In 1973, they released their first album, Comin' Right at Ya, and even though
it included songs that have since become concert favorites, like "Take Me Back to Tulsa," "Cherokee Boogie," and "Drivin' Nails in My Coffin," the album went nowhere. In 1975, they tried again with Texas Gold, and this time they scored a top ten hit with "The Letter That Johnny Walker Read." From then on, the band's albums were consistently good sellers, and before long, they had racked up a number of Grammy
wins and re-introduced America to western swing. They released Ridin' with Bob, their twenty-second album, in 1999 to wide acclaim.

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 10 Sep 2000 10:57 am

I saw them in a small club in Berkeley, I think it was in '73 when I was courting my first wife. They were just great! Lucky O and Chris O'Conner were inspirational. I bought the LP, but I think the ex ended up with it.

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 11 Sep 2000 6:06 pm

Hmm!! Asleep at the wheel,oh well "Beats Walkin".

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CJC

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 11 Sep 2000 6:19 pm

Durn you Joe, I wish I'd thought of that!

Janice Brooks · Post by **Janice Brooks** » 11 Sep 2000 6:37 pm

Makes me proud to be born in Pa.

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Janice "Busgal" Brooks
ICQ 44729047

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 11 Sep 2000 6:46 pm

Yeah, Joe, we're filling that huge niche in the market that they left behind them in Philadelphia when they moved to West Virginia.

(Actually, Dan Tyack, who formerly played with Asleep at the Wheel, will be playing a gig with Beats Walkin' on Sept 23 in Margate, New Jersey. Twin steels!)[This message was edited by Jim Cohen on 11 September 2000 at 07:47 PM.]

Harry Hess · Post by **Harry Hess** » 13 Sep 2000 9:53 pm

I always liked the Wheel. When I lived in Austin and played with Sir Doug in the 70's, I became friends with the Philly guys. I'll never forget once when I had to put my old Sho~Bud Professional in the shop, I mentioned to Lucky that I didn't know how to manage it and still do my gigs. He said, "Don't sweat it, come by tomorrow and grab one of my Sho~Buds". He was a great guy, too bad he moved so far away. He ought to be the Top Gun Down Under, hope he is enjoying himself.

Regards,
HH

Dayna Wills · Post by **Dayna Wills** » 14 Sep 2000 10:00 pm

Jim,
I heard tell that Morrell is recording another album with the girls of WS which of course is Chris O' Connell for one. I worked a gig with her this summer in San Marcos, TX. Great singer. We were part of an all girl WS band. (We kicked butt, too)

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Ken Tinsman · Post by **Ken Tinsman** » 19 Sep 2000 4:33 am

Ain't no surprise about the Philly connection. A few years back when I looked through my late father's 1938 Kensington High School (Philadelphia) year book it listed as one of his interests "Hillbilly Music." Of course those Philly guys also drag out banjos and wear feathers on their backs once a year so you know they ain't exactly right....

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 19 Sep 2000 6:09 am

Of course those Philly guys also drag out banjos and wear feathers on their backs once a year so you know they ain't exactly right....

Aw, geez, Ken! What did ya hafta bring that up for?? Here I was, tryin' to build up some credibility for my home town, and doin' a pretty good job of it, when outta nowhere... YOU show up and start talkin' about the freakin' MUMMERS! Man, I thought I could trust you!

Peter Dollard · Post by **Peter Dollard** » 19 Sep 2000 10:53 am

I saw them at The Inn Of The Beginning in Cotati in 73-74. At the time they had twin fiddles...one guy was from the Marin conservatory of music and the other was this good old boy(Richard something?). Anyways they couldn't stand each other and it was hilarious watching them try to play together. I went in back before they started and there was Lucky warming up thru a Pignose which at that time was a real headturner(A really portable amp???). I asked him if he had heard Neal Franz's instruction record and he proceeded to play every lick off of it.The band that night was just great.[This message was edited by Peter Dollard on 19 September 2000 at 11:55 AM.]

Ken Tinsman · Post by **Ken Tinsman** » 20 Sep 2000 3:43 am

Sorry Jim. At least I didn't bring up Dick Clark or Hull and Oats.....

BTW, you don't have any tab for "Oh, Dem Golden Slippers" by chance?

E Stah Sa Sussaway!

Hook Moore · Post by **Hook Moore** » 21 Sep 2000 3:48 pm

I`m happy to claim Ray Benson as one of our own too.