With South by Southwest on my mind, I turn into a gravel driveway 10 miles east of downtown Austin. I’m greeted by four longhorn steer, grazing near a converted red barn. Once a horse stable, the barn has been transformed into a recording studio, meeting space and repository of decades of music memorabilia. Among the treasures inside is a priceless recording board once used by Elvis Presley.
As I enter, I’m met with a warm smile and a firm handshake from a true Austin music scene giant — both literally and figuratively. At 6-foot-6, Ray Benson is the founder and leader of the Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel. For more than five decades, he has been a cornerstone of Austin’s music culture.
With over 25 albums, nine Grammy Awards, an induction into the Austin Music Hall of Fame, a Texas Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award and the distinction of being named the official Texas State Musician by the Texas Commission of the Arts in 2004, Benson played a key role in helping Austin become the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Few have done as much to preserve and champion live music in Austin.
After exchanging pleasantries, comparing stories about recent golf trips to Scotland and touring the studio, we step into Ray’s office to discuss the origins of Austin’s music culture, his perspective on its future and how he is leading the charge to keep music accessible for artists in the capital city in the lead-up to SXSW.
ATX City Lifestyle: Austin is famously known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” How did you see that identity take shape when you moved here in the early 1970s?
Benson: Willie (Nelson) asked me to come down here in 1970, and when I did, Austin was like no other place. It was this wild intersection of hippies, rednecks and artists. You could feel the energy — the creativity was electric. Cheap rent helped a lot, and there were plenty of places to play, from Texas dance halls to rock clubs. Willie had already established himself here, and the Armadillo World Headquarters was just starting to take off. It was a place where genres and cultures collided, and everyone could find something they loved.
Asleep at the Wheel was unique because we could play rock joints and country dance halls, bridging different audiences. That’s what made Austin special — it embraced diversity in music, and we were lucky to be part of that.
ATX City Lifestyle: How has Austin’s music scene evolved since then?
Benson: It’s changed in ways both good and bad. Back then, rent was cheap, and you didn’t need much to get by. That gave musicians the freedom to experiment and grow. Now, the city’s gotten so expensive that it’s hard for young musicians to make a living here.
But Austin’s spirit remains. It’s still a place where people care deeply about the arts. What’s different is the infrastructure. We’ve lost a lot of small venues and affordable housing. It’s tough, but the community is stepping up. Organizations like HAAM and the Texas Dance Hall Preservation Society are trying to keep the music alive.
ATX City Lifestyle: What are you most proud of when it comes to your legacy in Austin?
Benson: I’ve kept Asleep at the Wheel alive for over 50 years, and that’s no small feat. Over 100 musicians have played with us, and we’ve managed to maintain the sound and spirit of the band through it all.
I’m also proud of the work we’ve done to support other musicians. HAAM, for instance, provides healthcare to local artists, and we’ve worked to preserve Texas dance halls as vital spaces for live music. Those efforts are about giving back to the community that has given me so much.
ATX City Lifestyle: Your birthday bash has become the unofficial kickoff to SXSW. How did that tradition start, and what does it mean to you?
Benson: It started as a way to celebrate my birthday with friends, but it’s grown into something much bigger. Now, it’s this big event that not only celebrates music but also raises money for causes like HAAM. I’m not officially part of SXSW, but the bash ties into its spirit, bringing people together to celebrate Austin’s music culture.
ATX City Lifestyle: Rising costs and gentrification are making it harder for musicians to live and work in Austin. How can we preserve Austin’s identity as the “Live Music Capital”?
Benson: It’s going to take a collective effort. We need affordable housing for musicians, more small venues and policies that support live music. Wealthy philanthropists are working on housing solutions, and organizations like HAAM are stepping up. But we also need the community to show up — go to shows, hire local musicians and support venues.
Ultimately, it’s about creating an ecosystem where musicians can thrive. Without places to play and people to listen, we risk losing the essence of Austin’s music scene.
ATX City Lifestyle: What do you think makes music such a defining feature of Austin’s culture?
Benson: Music has always been the soul of this city. It brings people together, bridges divides, and creates a sense of community. Austin’s unique because it’s a crossroads, a place where different genres and cultures mix. That’s what makes it special, and that’s why people keep coming back.
ATX City Lifestyle: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Austin’s music scene?
Benson: I’m optimistic. There’s more great music being made now than ever before. Artists like Billy Strings are showing that there’s still an appetite for honest, authentic music. The key is to support these artists and the venues that showcase them.
I’ve always said music is cyclical. Every 12 years, a new generation comes along, bringing fresh ideas and energy. If we can create the right environment, Austin will continue to be a home for live music for years to come.
ATX City Lifestyle: You’ve often spoken about the importance of Texas dance halls. Why do they matter so much to you?
Benson: Texas dance halls are iconic. They’re where communities came together for music, dancing and connection. Unfortunately, we’re losing them due to rising real estate costs and urban sprawl. Preserving these spaces is vital because they’re more than venues; they’re cultural landmarks. That’s why I’ve worked with organizations to raise money to keep them alive. If we lose the dance halls, we lose part of Texas’ musical heritage.
ATX City Lifestyle: What’s your advice for young musicians starting out in Austin today?
Benson: Enjoy the process and understand that the journey itself has to be the reward. The money and fame may not come, but if you love what you’re doing, that’s what matters. And hustle. Success in this business is about talent and hard work. You’ve got to be willing to put in the effort.
ATX City Lifestyle: Finally, what message would you like to leave for Austin residents about keeping live music alive?
Benson: Support your local musicians. Go to their shows, hire them for events, and spend your money where it makes a difference. Austin’s music scene is a treasure, but it needs all of us to keep it alive. Together, we can ensure that this city remains the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Music has always been the soul of this city. It brings people together, bridges divides, and creates a sense of community.
Texas dance halls are iconic. Unfortunately, we’re losing them due to rising real estate costs and urban sprawl. Preserving these spaces is vital because they’re more than venues; they’re cultural landmarks.
Support your local musicians. Go to their shows, hire them for events, and spend your money where it makes a difference.