Austin City Limits
In brief, Austin City Limits is a weekly music performance show that airs on PBS. To elaborate, ACL holds the title of the longest-running music program in television history. It is the only show to have received the National Medal of the Arts and has been recognized by Time magazine as one of the top 10 most influential music programs ever. The series features a diverse range of musical styles and artists, showcasing talents from Willie Nelson to BB King and Foo Fighters. It has also been honored as a Rock & Roll Landmark in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. However, back in 1974, no one could have anticipated its future success. That year, Bill Arhos, the program director at Austin PBS (then known as KLRN), along with producer Paul Bosner and director Bruce Scafe, came up with the idea for the show in response to PBS's request for original content. Scafe had experience directing a music show in Illinois, and Bosner was passionate about Austin's vibrant cosmic cowboy scene. Inspired by Jan Reid’s book, The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock, which detailed the progressive country movement, they set out to create a program that would highlight Austin’s eclectic mix of country, blues, folk, and psychedelia. The title “Austin City Limits” was suggested by Bosner, who noticed the sign during his trips from Dallas to Austin. The pilot episode was filmed on October 17, 1974, featuring Willie Nelson, who had not yet reached the legendary status he would later achieve. Although B.W. Stevenson was recorded the night before, that footage was not usable. The show’s raw production style and focus on audio quality impressed even the shy Nelson, leading Arhos to pitch the pilot to PBS during its 1975 pledge campaign. Its success as a fundraising tool ultimately secured ACL's continuation as a series, marking the beginning of its remarkable journey.
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Articles
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Nov 7, 2024 |
acltv.com | Lily Angelle |Wynonna Judd
This Saturday, November 9, Austin City Limits (ACL) spotlights country superstar Wynonna in an uplifting, revelatory hour. The Country Music Hall of Fame icon delivers an epic, career-spanning performance filled with solo hits, Judds classics and new gems. The celebrated singer/musician shares heartbreak, joy and stories behind the songs in this truly “must-see” installment. The new episode premieres Saturday, November 9 @8pm ET/7pm CT as part of Austin City Limits anniversary Season 50.
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Jul 30, 2024 |
acltv.com | Wynonna Judd
Austin City Limits is thrilled to announce a new taping with one of country music’s most legendary voices and iconic performers: Wynonna. A musical force like none other, we welcome her to the ACL stage on September 3 for our milestone Anniversary Season 50. One of the most widely recognized and awarded female country musicians in history, Wynonna is celebrating a remarkable 40-year career.
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Jul 16, 2024 |
acltv.com | Garth Brooks
Iconic music series Austin City Limits (ACL) kicks off the 50th Anniversary celebrations by welcoming a new Austin City Limits Hall of Fame honoree into its ranks for this milestone: Garth Brooks. For the first time in the decade-long history of the ACL Hall of Fame, only one inductee will be honored at this epic 10th Anniversary Hall of Fame celebration taking place on September 5, 2024, at ACL’s studio home, ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin.
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May 16, 2024 |
acltv.com | Dave Grohl |Terry Lickona
Today, PBS announced it has honored AUSTIN CITY LIMITS executive producer Terry Lickona with the 2024 Beacon Award for his work leading the iconic live music institution. The highest honor in public television, the Beacon award pays tribute to individuals whose work inspires Americans and enriches our nation, in keeping with the mission of PBS.
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Mar 26, 2024 |
acltv.com | Willie Nelson
Iconic live music series Austin City Limits launched in the fall of 1974 with Willie Nelson as the featured performer for the pilot. That episode became the cornerstone for 50 years of groundbreaking, award-winning music television and a dispatch to the world declaring Austin’s place as a pioneering music city. For his performance, Nelson wore a “Gaucho” style western shirt featuring multi-color Thunderbird embroidery.
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