Here’s one of the great road bands with one of the great road songs: Asleep at the Wheel performs “Hot Rod Lincoln.” 

This is a song with a rich history indeed. Written and first performed in 1955 by Charlie Ryan as an answer song to “Hot Rod Race”  by Arkie Shibley and his Mountain Dew Boys (how’s that for a name?) “Hot Rod Lincoln” has since been covered by numerous acts from Johnny Bond to Roger Miller.

Of couse, the two best-known versions today were recorded by Ann Arbor, Michigan’s original hillbilly hippie band, Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, and the performers featured here, Asleep at the Wheel.

A group that needs no introduction, Asleep at the Wheel has been featured before at Mac’s Motor City Garage. While the band’s lineup has changed constantly through the years, “Hot Rod Lincoln” remains one of its signature tunes. This performance was taken from a British television show back in the ’80s. Enjoy.