The Philadelphia-born Benson, who discovered Jamaican music during the 1960s, collaborated with some of reggae’s top musicians in recording sessions that produced ‘Ray Benson Swingin’ And Skankin’. Released on August 30, it contains covers of 10 famous songs that blend reggae with the twangy, traditional country sound for which Benson is synonymous.

‘Swingin’ And Skankin’ is distributed by Tafari Music, a label owned by Gary “Dr. Dread” Himelfarb, famous for founding and operating all-reggae company RAS Records for over 30 years. The album includes interpretations of Theophilus Beckford’s ‘Easy Snappin’, a boogie woogie song released in 1959; Willie Nelson’s 1980 hit ‘On The Road Again’, ‘Bob Dylan’s ‘Highway 61’ and The Wailers’ ‘Put it On’.

The latter is the album’s lead single.

For ‘Swingin’ And Skankin’, he worked at Anchor Recording Studio in Kingston with drummer Sly Dunbar, keyboardist Robbie Lyn, Roots Radics guitarists Dwight Pinkney and Steve Golding. Bassist Tony Garnier, former member of Asleep At The Wheel and Dylan’s band, and guitarist Warren Haynes, known for recording and touring with The Allman Brothers Band and Gov’t Mule, also played on the set.

“Dr. Dread and I thought we could meld reggae, ska and what I do into a new sound. I’d heard covers of ‘Easy Snappin’ so I found Theo Beckford’s version and thought I could cover it well,” said Benson, who discovered Jamaican music through pioneer artistes such as Desmond Dekker and Millie Small.

Benson first visited Jamaica in 1980, which intensified his love for the country and its music.

“I’ve returned a few times and love Jamaica! Been to Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios. My all-time favourite guitarist is Ernest Ranglin,” he said.

‘Swingin’ And Skankin’ is not Benson’s first collaboration with Jamaican artistes. He produced ‘Still is Still Moving to Me’, a reggae version of Willie Nelson’s song done by the country legend and Toots Hibbert for ‘True Love’, Toots And The Maytals’ album that won the Best Reggae Album Grammy in 2005.

Known for his distinctive long hair and beard, Benson has lived for many years in Austin, Texas. With Asleep At The Wheel, he helped put that city on the map as a major hub for live music in the United States.