AATW founder Ray Benson and company were on hand at AmericanFest as part of their slightly delayed 50th anniversary celebration of a grand career that culminated in an impressive nine Grammy Awards and more than 20 singles on the Billboard country charts. Also on the bill in East Nashville was the much loved James McMurtry - the one time Mellencamp protégé who more than 30 years after his "discovery" by Johnny Cougar was being honored in Nashville at this week's award ceremonies as a nominee for song of the year with his evocative "Canola Fields" that is harvesting a late-career reviving bounty of praise for the singer/songwriter from the Lone Star sate.

AATW founder Ray Benson was a charismatic presence in a church setting as he fronted his large band.

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James McMurtry was up for song of the year in Nashville. (MCN file photo)

Related Links: For more information on AMERICANFEST and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - AmericanaFest | Asleep At The Wheel | James McMurtry | All 2022 AMERICANAFEST Coverage on MCN