Ray Benson, Dale Watson Prepping First Duo Project

Dale Watson and Ray Benson

Ray Benson and Dale Watson will release their first duo album, Dale & Ray, on Jan. 6 on Ameripolitan/Home Records, distributed by Mailboat Records. The album will include original tracks, such as “The Ballad of Dale and Ray,” and “Bus’ Breakdown,” as well as a tribute to Merle Haggard, “Feelin’ Haggard.”

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, SiriusXM will preview one of the album’s two cover tunes, a rendition of Willie Nelson’s “Write Your Own Songs.” The song will play simultaneously on SirusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse and on Outlaw Country at 5 p.m. ET.

“Ray and I have talked about doing this record from all the way back when I had black hair and he was still awake at the wheel,” Watson says. “To be able to do a record with a man I respect so much has been a dream come true.”

“The idea for this record is older than Willie Nelson,” Benson confirms. “Dale and I are kind of kindred spirits. We both have made careers as outsiders, fighting for the opportunity to play and showcase the kind of music that we want to play. For this record, we got to write and create original music that I’m extremely proud of.”