Willie Nelson and B.B. King. Kacey Musgraves and Chris Stapleton. For half a century, some of music’s biggest names have performed on television’s most famous stage. From Rockabilly to R&B to classic Country, Austin City Limits’ presentation of eclectic sounds has made it one of the most popular live music programs on TV for almost 50 years.
To celebrate the upcoming 50th season of ACL, we decided to take a trip back (way, way back) to the show’s first season. So throw on your dancing boots and your best concert attire as we walk down memory lane of this historic PBS program. And don’t forget to watch Season 50 of ACL when it airs Saturdays at 10 p.m. starting Sept. 28.
The Pilot
In 1974, show producer Paul Bosner and his team were seeking ways to answer a call from PBS for more original TV programming. Settled in the heart of Downtown Austin, KLRN (now KLRU-TV) started brainstorming ways they could showcase the unique sounds and growing music scene of their city. Little did they know the plan they were hatching up would contribute to Austin eventually becoming the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Fun Fact: The name of the show was created by Bosner, who saw the “Austin City Limits” road sign when he commuted into town for work every week.
Once the show was pitched and approved, the stage was set and the amps were… amped. The ACL crew taped their pilot episode on Oct. 17, 1974, which featured a performance from Texas-native Willie Nelson. The show started with its still-iconic progression of opening shots taken from around Austin. When Nelson took the stage, it seems only fitting that he opened the historic show with his popular song “Whiskey River.”
Fun Fact: Artist B.W. Stevenson performed the night before Nelson and was originally intended to be featured on the show’s pilot episode. But when the tape turned out bad, the KLRN team decided to go with Nelson’s performance as the show’s premiere. Was this fate? Could we truly imagine anyone other than Willie Nelson being the first performer on television’s most celebrated stage?
Originally planned as a TV special for an Austin PBS fundraiser, the KLRN team witnessed the success of the episode and pitched ACL as a recurring series. With that, 50 years of music history was born.
Want to watch history being made? Click this link to watch Willie Nelson in the pilot episode of ACL from 1974.
Fun Fact: Willie Nelson and his family are hosting a celebratory 50th birthday bash for ACL on Oct. 17, 2024 – exactly 50 years to the day of the pilot’s taping. Joined by Asleep at the Wheel, the group is set to perform at Austin’s Long Center for the Performing Arts. Visit this link for more details.
Season 1 and On
Once the series was picked up by PBS stations across the country, the KLRN team produced the rest of ACL’s first season. Performers included Asleep at the Wheel, Jerry Jeff Walker, the Charlie Daniels Band and even a rare TV appearance from singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt.
As time passed, ACL expanded its performance genres. Welcoming new faces and old friends, the show thrives on showcasing a variety of sounds that exemplify its home city.
Jimmy Buffett performing on Season 2 of ACL – 1977
B.B. King performing on Season 8 of ACL – 1983
Emmylou Harris performing on Season 7 of ACL – 1982
Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash on set of ACL – 1987
Dolly Parton performing on Season 20 of ACL – 2000
Pearl Jam performing on Season 35 of ACL – 2009
Kendrick Lamar performing on Season 41 of ACL – 2015
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway performing on Season 49 of ACL – 2023
Looking Forward
After half a century of music history in the making, ACL Season 50 looks to the future while staying true to its past. This anniversary season spans the confines of genre, featuring a mixture of folk, rock, soul and country performances.
First Half of ACL Season 50 Line-Up (second half to be announced at a later date):
Kacey Musgraves – Sept. 28
Gary Clark Jr. | Black Pumas – Oct. 5
Maggie Rogers | Gracie Abrams – Oct. 12
Jacob Collier | Nickel Creek – Oct. 19
Brittany Howard – Oct. 26
Jelly Roll | The War and Treaty – Nov. 2
Chris Stapleton – Nov. 9
Juanes – Nov. 16
Leading up to this commemorative season, Austin City Limits put together its own trip down memory lane that may feature one of your favorite artists. Watch the video below!
Watch Season 50 of ACL Saturdays at 10 p.m. starting Sept 28.
