Bob reigned for a lot of years, but had become pretty inactive by the late 1960's and died in 1975. However, he's still a legend — especially in Texas. Just ask Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, who helped keep Western Swing alive for a long time. In recent years though, the biggest star in the genre (in more ways than one) would have to be Ray Benson, the towering leader and consistent force behind an ever-changing group known as Asleep At The Wheel.
Ray and his bunch have enthusiastically embraced Western Swing and made it their favorite style of music, even through countless personnel changes. (By one count, the group - which varies from 8 to 11 members at one time - has gone through over 80 different musicians.)
They've also embraced the legacy of Bob Wills, and some of their biggest hits have been covers of his songs. One of their best is a medley combining two of his most popular songs, and I'd defy anyone to keep from smiling when they listen to "Take Me Back To Tulsa/Stay All Night". It perfectly demonstrates the sound - and the fun - of Western Swing.
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