Dale and Ray At Hernando's Hideaway

Entertainers Dale Watson and Ray Benson, founding member and frontman of Asleep at the Wheel, perform together at the historic and independently owned music venue, Hernando’s Hideaway, in Memphis, Tennessee April 2, 2026.

Here are a few other photos I’ve taken of Ray Benson over the years, including a double exposure from my film days (early 80’s) and a photo from when he played at Lafayette’s here in Memphis. Another photo from when Benson was honored with the Master Award at the 2024 Ameripolitan Music Awards in Austin, Texas.

A special highlight and surprise was to find Memphian Wyly Bigger sitting in on keyboards.

For more than half a century, Ray Benson has been the unmistakable driving force behind Asleep at the Wheel, the Grammy-winning group that helped keep Western swing alive and thriving. Benson commented Thursday evening on how difficult it was to stay relevant during the disco era.

The band found its home after relocating to Austin in the early 1970s at the invitation of country icon Willie Nelson.

Standing 6-foot-6 in his size-16 cowboy boots, Benson, 75, has been the band’s centerpiece. While more than 80 musicians have cycled through Asleep at the Wheel’s ranks, he remains its sole continuous member. Asleep At The Wheel has over two dozen albums, more than 20 Billboard country chart hits, and nine Grammy Awards.

Even now, Benson shows no signs of slowing down. On April 2, 2026, he took the stage at Hernando's Hideaway in Memphis to a standing-room-only crowd, joining fellow Texas troubadour Dale Watson, owner of the club and part-time Memphian, for a night that blended classic swing with modern honky-tonk energy—a reminder that his legacy is still very much alive onstage.

For more about Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel go to https://www.asleepatthewheel.com/

For more about upcoming shows at Hernando’s Hideaway, go to https://hernandoshideawaymemphis.com/

Karen Pulfer Focht ©2026

2023 Ameripolitan Awards

Visual Highlights from the 2023 Ameripolitan Music Awards

THE AMERIPOLITAN AWARDS ARE HOSTED BY DALE WATSON AND CELINE LEE

Each year, a mix of quirky and eccentric musical artists come together for a reunion and celebration with like-minded people in Memphis, Tennessee. Performers are honored and supported while having fun and sharing their music at the Ameripolitan Music Awards which are hosted by American Country singer and songwriter Dale Watson and his wife, singer Celine Lee. This year’s awards were held at the Guest House at Graceland Feb. 17-19th, 2023.

The event has been on hold for the past few years due to the pandemic but is once again in full swing.

You can find a list of the winners here.

Lucky for Memphians, the event is held right here in Bluff City and it offers hours of endless fun. Their four-day-long party rotates between Hernando’s Hide-A-Way and the beautiful Guest House at Graceland while celebrating Honky Tonk, Western Swing, Rockabilly, and Outlaw genres of music.

Spiffy dancers in their best attire, swing their way across the floor, inspired by some of the nation’s top artists. Vendors come from around the country selling boots, fringe jackets, belt buckles, and clothes, sometimes gently worn, authentic, top-notch vintage outfits. Sunday evening, after brunch and a few rounds of Chicken Sh*t Bingo at Hernando’s, the crowd moves back to the Guest House for the Awards.

All of this takes place just up the street from the home of Elvis Presley, Graceland.

Memphis has become a popular tourist destination, especially for those with a passion for music. With a rich musical history, Condé Nast Traveler named Memphis one of the 23 Best Places to Go in 2023 list and the 3 Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2023 list.

Alex Greene from the Memphis Flyer did a story to preview the event. https://www.memphisflyer.com/full-schedule-for-ameripolitan-music-awards-released