Ride with Bob: A Tribute to Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys

Ride with Bob: A Tribute to Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys debuted on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart at its peak position of number 24.[8] It was also the band's first release to register on the US Heatseekers Albums chart, on which it debuted at its number 15 peak.[9] The album reportedly sold 6,000 copies in the US in its first week.[10] Aside from the Billboard charts, Ride with Bob also reached number 1 on the Gavin Report Americana Albums chart, with Ray Benson commenting that, "Not only is it so cool after all these years to finally have a number one record, but to be on a chart with so many great artists is amazing. You look at the other people on this chart, and it makes you feel like your music is in good company."[11] According to Benson, the album sold around 250,000 copies.[12]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[4]

Critical reviews for Ride with Bob were largely positive. AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine stated, "Since [Asleep at the Wheel's] entire career feels like a living monument to Wills, it almost seems unnecessary for them to record tributes to the "King of Western Swing" – that is, until you hear the records," praising the album as "every bit as enjoyable" as the band's first Wills tribute.[4] Billboard magazine published a review outlining that, "This Western swing tribute to the late Bob Wills is a spirited and knowledgeable stroll through Wills-era songs, aided by a star-studded cast."[13] The Gavin Report simply called the album "remarkable".[14]

Laura Yonkin of The Courier-Journal suggested that "While it's not quite as pristine as their previous tribute, Asleep at the Wheel makes the latest ride with Bob a pleasure."[15] On the contrary, a writer for the San Francisco Examiner hailed the album as "more than just another sequel".[16] The Boston Globe columnist Craig Harris was even more positive, claiming that "The new disc ... outshines its predecessor."[17] Sandi Davis of The Oklahoman wrote that "Every cut on Ride With Bob will take you back to the great days of radio, and maybe compel you to roll back the rug and dance the night away."[18] The New York Daily News dubbed Ride with Bob "a terrific tribute",[19] while Jerry Sharpe for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called it "excellent".[20]

At the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2000, Asleep at the Wheel received six nominations: Ride with Bob was shortlisted for Best Country Album and Best Recording Package, "Roly Poly" and "Going Away Party" were both nominated for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, "Bob's Breakdowns" was included in the nominations for Best Country Instrumental Performance, and The Making of Ride with Bob was shortlisted for Best Long Form Music Video.[21] Benson reportedly "didn't expect" to receive so many Grammy nominations, explaining that "I was really hoping to get maybe three [nominations], when they all started pouring in. [...] The validation is that the people who vote on these are doing what I do every day: making music, recording music, composing music, arranging music."[22]

Ride with Bob won two of its six nominations, for Best Recording Package and Best Country Instrumental Performance (the latter of which was the band's sixth award in the category).[23] Speaking at the ceremony, Benson suggested that he wanted to record more tribute albums in the future, explaining "I'd really like to do them for Cindy Walker, Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five, and Ernest Tubb. That's my short-list. It's very realistic. I can do them any time."[24] The next year, "Cherokee Maiden" won the Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.[21]

At the 2000 Country Music Association Awards, Asleep at the Wheel was nominated for Vocal Group of the Year and the song "Roly Poly" was nominated for Vocal Event of the Year.[25] The band also received nominations in the categories of Top Vocal Group/Duo and Album of the Year – Artist at the 35th annual Academy of Country Music Awards in 2000.[26]