Western Swing and Country music legends Asleep at the Wheel band is celebrating their 50 years of being based in the Lone Star State with a new Texas-based album. They are performing live at JulyFest in Gun Barrel City on July 26 and in Carthage on August 9 as they are inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
The album, Riding High in Texas, hits streaming platforms and record stores on August 22. The record covers songs by some of country music’s greatest songwriters including Guy Clark, Ernest Tubb, Charlie Daniels, and Jimmie Rodgers. Additionally, Riding High in Texas features a nod to Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys in the form of “Beaumont Rag,” and features collaborations with Lyle Lovett and Billy Strings.
The track listing is 1) Riding High in Texas featuring Billy Strings; 2) Texas in My Soul; 3) Long Tall Texan featuring Lyle Lovett, 4) Texas, 5) Texas Cookin’, 6) Lonesome Pine Special with Brennen Leigh, 7) T For Texas (Blue Yodel No. 1), 8) All My Exes (Live in Texas), 9) There’s Still a Lot of Love in San Antone, and 10) Beaumont Rag.
Texas in My Soul single was releases in June. Written by Ernest Tubb and popularized by Willie Nelson, “Texas In My Soul” was chosen for the project because it resonated with, in Benson’s words, “How we felt in 1974 when the band moved to Texas.”
Asleep at the Wheel is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. July 26 at Gun Barrel City Park, 301 Municipal Drive at the city’s annual JulyFest. The event features live music from 5:30 to 9:30 or so then they break for a dynamic fireworks show before concluding with Kolby Cooper at 10:15 p.m. Get tickets and more information on www.gunbarrelcity.gov.
This special year for Asleep at the Wheel also sees them getting inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame only with Johnny Horton. The induction ceremony and show takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, at the Carthage Civic Center as part of the annual Classic Country Music Celebration. The event features a performance by Asleep at the Wheel and a special tribute to Johnny Horton, performed by Tommy Horton.
The celebration in Carthage kicks off with the John Ritter Tribute Showcase at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 8, also at the Carthage Civic Center. The event showcases 30 finalists competing for the title of Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Ambassador for 2026.
Festivities continue on Sunday, August 10, at 9 AM with Gospel at the Hall, a special performance at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
The 2025 Classic Country Music Celebration features performers throughout the weekend including Clay Cooper, The Malpass Brothers, Linda Davis, Lang Scott, Dallas Wayne, and a special Hee-Haw tribute featuring Jana Jae, Misty Rowe, and Buddy Alan Owens.
Tickets are available now by calling (903) 694-9561. Get more information on 28th Annual Classic Country Music Festival and the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame on www.tcmhof.com.
