Austin City Limits is an American television music program and a staple of the Public Broadcasting Service. Austin City Limits was initially created with an eye and ear toward original Texas music, featuring artists that created innovative new sounds in everything from western swing and Texas blues to Tejano music, progressive country and rock n' roll. The series went on to feature a wide range of American roots artists, covering a variety of styles and expanding beyond the borders of the Lone Star State. As the programs audience has grown, the music has encompassed regional, national and even international performers, and producer Terry Lickona continues to seek a balance of music genres in every new season. Austin City Limits today focuses on the unique contributions of diverse artists, music and songwriting from around the world.
October 17, 1974, Willie Nelson recorded the original pilot episode of Austin City Limits. At the time no one could have predicted that the fledgling music show from Austin, Texas, would still be delivering great performances decades later. To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the first taping, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell has declared October 17 "Austin City Limits Day." The date recognizes the show's very first taping, which took place on October 17, 1974 and featured the iconic Willie Nelson.
B.B. King personified blues music for the whole world...He was larger than life, but a gentle man with a kind soul and big heart. His ACL performance ranks as one of my personal favorites, and I was never more proud than when he somehow slipped ‘Austin City Limits' into the lyric of his classic rendition of Willie Nelson's ‘Night Life.' We've lost a giant.
The Texas blues are highlighted on this 1984 episode. Austin's own guitar master, Stevie Ray Vaughn, joins his band to add to his own blues legend. Meanwhile, The Fabulous Thunderbirds are known for their searing rock & roll with roadhouse blues overtones.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has spent 19 years in the music business building a reputation as high-energy performers. Next, the New Grass Revival takes traditional bluegrass instruments and uses them to make a wide variety of music.
Two of country's most respected female songwriters entertain the Austin audience. Emmylou Harris has been wowing audiences for years with her sincere and touching lyrics. Nanci Griffith is the "queen of folkabilly" and an Austin favorite.
A hillbilly rebel, Dwight Yoakam has a unique Bakersfield sound. Legend Buck Owens joins with Flaco Jimenez to appear with Yoakam for "The Streets of Bakersfield." Next, Patty Loveless has the clear sure voice of her Kentucky bluegrass roots.
1. First we take Manhattan 2. Tower of song 3. Everybody knows 4. Ain't no cure for love 5. The partisan 6. Joan of Arc 7. Jazz police 8. If it be your will 9. Take this waltz
Kathy Mattea earned this year's Country Music Association's Female vocalist of the Year. In this episode, she hows off her powerful voice and songs. Texas singer/songwriter, Tish Hinojosa, uses her soft voice and complex melodies to play social relevant folk music.
Country music outlaw Waylon Jennings takes the famed "Austin City Limits" stage. Tracks include "Mamas Don't Let You're Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys," "Good Hearted Woman," "Trouble Man," "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way," "Me And Bobby McGee," and more.
Country's Christian roots are celebrated with ACL's tribute show to the Country Music Association's Album of the Year, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken II."
ACL travels back in time to the 60s and 70s by reuniting Dan Hicks with his first band the Hot Licks, as well as showcasing his current ensemble, The Acoustic Warriors.
Three Texas natives known for their amazing vocals and powerful songwriting talents share the stage for a night of music and memories.
Combing footage of previous ACL appearances, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble give great blue performances.
With Michael Martin Murphey, The Sons of the San Joaquin, Hank Thompson, Robert Mirabal, Herb Jeffries and The Oklahoma City Philharmonic
Country group Old 97's performs songs from the album "Too Far to Care." Whiskeytown delivers ballads and country songs.
Lucinda Williams proves why she is one of America's premiere singer songwriters when she brings her melancholy vocals and achingly sweet lyrics to the stage.
If they weren't the creators of Southern Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd are certainly the most recognizable ambassadors for the Deep South. In this one hour special, the band plays a range of hits form their long career.
ACL invites country diva Emmylou Harris to take the stage. She, in turn, invites her friends for an old fashioned guitar pull where singer/songwriters share songs, guitar secrets, and interesting stories.
Sultry vocalist Shelby Lynne leads off, with talented blues diva Toni Price capping the hour.
Bruce Hornsby: The Way It Is Sunflower Cat Rainbow's Cadillac Eric Johnson: Zenland Rain Spanish Castle Magic Nothing Can Keep Me from You
The one and only queen of country performs the music of her Appalachian upbringing, and young bluegrass sensations Nickel Creek showcase their soaring harmonies and instrumental virtuosity.
The start of the 28th season sees Grammy award winner, Bonnie Raitt, play to a dedicated audience.
Jackson Browne performs old favorites and music from his new album.
Season 29 kicks off with Rock legend Steve Winwood. Winwood has managed to stay popular and successful through more than 30 years in the music business. More importantly, his music has stayed relevant and ground breaking through all that time.
ACL presents two musicians who have taken their background in soul music and evolved into different genres. Susan Tedeschi is a multi-talented blues guitarist, while Ruthie Foster is a folk-rock specialist.
Irish singer/songwriter, Damien Rice, brings his soulful lyrics to the ACL stage. Patty Griffin is a long-time ACL viewer whose personal songs highlight her graceful voice.
Strong and unique voices mark this episode. Michael McDonald has a signature sound all his own. While, Joss Stone is a young singer with a powerful and soulful voice.
Hear Grammy-winning Bon Iver perform material from its second album.
Join Colombian superstar Juanes and Grammy-winning siblings Jesse & Joy for the best in Latin music.
Enjoy a performance by the French band Phoenix.
The 2015 Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honors Loretta Lynn, Asleep at the Wheel, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Flaco Jiménez.
Singer Cassandra Wilson pays tribute to Billie Holiday; songs include ``Strange Fruit,'' ``Don't Explain'' and ``Good Morning Headache.''
Sturgill Simpson performs songs from ``Metamodern Sounds in Country Music''; Asleep at the Wheel performs western swing classics.
Don Henley presents music from his first solo album in 15 years, ``Cass County.''
Savor a career-spanning set from legendary singer/songwriter Paul Simon.
Singer-songwriter James Bay performs songs from his debut, ``Chaos and the Calm''; North Carolina native Rhiannon Giddens presents songs from her solo debut ``Tomorrow Is My Turn.''
British singer Robert Plant performs new songs and classics from Led Zeppelin.
Enjoy a career-spanning set from legendary rock & roll band The Pretenders.
Enjoy a show-stopping hour with country superstar Miranda Lambert in her third ACL appearance.
Enjoy an unforgettable hour with acclaimed singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile.
Thrill to chart-topping R&B and pop with Grammy-winning standouts Miguel and Alessia Cara.
Thrill to an hour with Austin blues rock superstar Gary Clark Jr.
Enjoy an unforgettable hour with 2019 Grammy Award-winning R&B sensation H.E.R.. The singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist plays tracks from her self-titled album and numerous EPs.
Savor an hour of stirring performances by singer/songwriter John Prine.
Enjoy an hour with acclaimed soul singer/songwriter Yola.
Thrill to an hour of classic performances from Texas blues rocker Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Relish an hour of Texan singer/songwriters Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall in an intimate acoustic setting. The trio showcase their collaborative LP The Marfa Tapes, including "Tin Man" and "Am I Right or Amarillo."
Rejoice in a high voltage hour with New Orleans-born R&B/jazz/gospel musician Jon Batiste. The Stephen Colbert bandleader performs songs from his album We Are, including "I Need You" and "Freedom."
Celebrated Americana singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile raises the roof for a full hour of passionate and powerful songs from her acclaimed album In These Silent Days.
Dreamy American pop act Japanese Breakfast and eclectic U.K. tunesmith Arlo Parks share an hour of heartfelt performances. Japanese Breakfast, AKA bestselling author Michelle Zauner, plays songs from her breakthrough album Jubilee. Parks performs songs from her Mercury Prize-winning album Collapsed in Sunbeams.
Complete episode guide for Austin City Limits with detailed information about every season and episode including air dates, summaries, ratings, and streaming availability in Japan.
This episode guide is organized by seasons, making it easy to track your viewing progress or find specific episodes. Use the episode information to plan your binge-watching sessions or catch up on missed episodes.
John Hiatt brings his r&b infused rock with a country twist to the ACL stage. Los Lobos also appears with a performance that takes them back to their roots with an all Spanish album.
Indie pop star Beck appears on ACL to sing his mellow hits with a funky twist.
Singer Keith Urban performs songs from his CD ``Golden Road''; singer Rodney Crowell performs songs from his CD ``Fate's Right Hand.''
Guster and Los Lonely Boys play to a packed house of screaming fans.
Ben Harper's soulful lyrics and social commentary are highlighted by his eclectic style. From soul southern gospel to 70's funk, Harper inspires devoted fans.
The legendary Roy Orbison, whose career spans four decades, performs his greatest hits ``Working for the Man'' and ``Cryin'.''
Austin favorite, Lyle Lovett, has gained national recognition by expanding the sound of country to include jazz, blues and pop. Pianist Jamie Cullum is a London sensation who infuses rock with jazz and dance.
This episode's theme is big innovation. Polyphonic Spree has more than 20 members who dress in colorful choir robes. Their pop epics and energetic live performances have inspired a cult-like following. Next, Grammy award winners, Ozomatli, brings their 10-piece band to the stage. The L.A. band fuses Latin rhythms, Middle Eastern and African beats with modern hip-hop.
The Flaming Lips perform emotional, artsy indie-rock. While, The Shins focus on clever, witty pop songs.
This episode has a theme: musical innovation. Both featured bands have outgrown the labels music experts have put on them to create unique sounds and haunting melodies.
Modest Mouse is known as genre-bending indie rock band on their way up. Guided by Voices has been performing together for over 10 years, but they have recently decided to call it quits. This is one of the last performances of the band.
It's been five years since Elvis Costello was last on the Austin City Limits stage. Tonight he returns as part of our 35th anniversary with new music that takes the music legend back-to-basics, combining his witty lyrics and country sounds "with a fitting old-timey feel" (Los Angeles Times).
Hip hop conquers the ACL stage with sets from alternative rapper/actor Mos Def, supporting his latest record, The Ecstatic, and Somalian native K'naan, performing songs from his acclaimed LP, Troubadour.
Rising roots rock kings the Avett Brothers perform songs from their latest album, I and Love and You. Ohio-to-Austin transplants Heartless Bastards follow with their classic rock 'n roll.
Steve Earle pays tribute to his mentor, legendary Texas troubadour Townes Van Zandt. Kris Kristofferson follows with tunes from his latest album.
Singer/composer/bass prodigy Esperanza Spalding debuts on ACL with a mix of jazz, soul and Brazilian pop. Contemporary torch singer Madeleine Peyroux follows in support of her album Bare Bones.
Alternative rock superstars Arcade Fire perform hits and tunes from their Grammy-winning LP The Suburbs.
Folk meets indie rock with Fleet Foxes and Joanna Newsom. Fleet Foxes draw from their latest LP Helplessness Blues. Joanna Newsom follows with her ethereal acid folk.
Experimental modern rock rules with Florence + the Machine and Lykke Li. Bluesy singer Florence showcases her LP Lungs, while Swedish chanteuse Li highlights her LP Wounded Rhymes.
Modern rock band Wilco returns to AUSTIN CITY LIMITS with tunes from its LP The Whole Love.
Grammy-winners Coldplay perform selections from their newest LP, Mylo Xyloto.
Enjoy a solo performance by Jack White, leader of the White Stripes.
Hear a unique fusion of flamenco, jazz and rock from Mexican guitarists Rodrigo and Gabriela.
Enjoy alternative rock with punk veteran Bob Mould and young bucks Delta Spirit.
Delight in a full hour of hits and new songs from country superstar Tim McGraw.
Highlights from the first annual Austin City Limits Hall of Fame presentation. Performers include Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Guy and Double Trouble.
Modern rock, blues and soul with guitarist Gary Clark Jr.; Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett.
Modern rock with TV on the Radio and The War on Drugs.
Singer-songwriter James Taylor performs fan favorites as well as selections from "Before This World".
Alabama Shakes performs songs from "Sound and Vision", Vintage Trouble's performance includes songs from "1 Hopeful Road".
Grammy Award-nominated hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar performs songs from "To Pimp a Butterfly".
Ryan Adams performs an acoustic set of hits, Shakey Graves performs songs from "And the War Came".
African singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo performs with her four-piece band.
Sleater-Kinney perform songs from "No Cities to Love", Heartless Bastards perform songs from "Restless Ones".
Modern rock and soul with Florence and the Machine; Andra Day performs songs from her debut ``Cheers to the Fall.''
Detroit native Iggy Pop performs classics and tunes from ``Post Pop Depression,'' accompanied by members of Queens of the Stone Age and Arctic Monkeys.
Natalia Lafourcade performs songs from Grammy Award-winning album "Hasta la Ruiz''; Latin funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma.
Dig the best in modern rock with acclaimed artists My Morning Jacket and Ben Harper.
Singer Cyndi Lauper presents a program of classics and country cover songs.
Country singers Margo Price and Hayes Carll sing songs from their albums, "Midwest Farmer's Daughter'' and "Lovers and Leavers.''
Modern roots rock with Band of Horses; Parker Millsap performs songs from "The Very Last Day.''
Soul and gospel performances by CeCe Winans and St. Paul and The Broken Bones.
British band Foals perform songs from "What Went Down''; joined by R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, Alejandro Escovedo performs songs from "Burn Something Beautiful.''
Enjoy modern pop and roots music from Akron's Dan Auerbach and Austin's Shinyribs.
Live is up with contemporary country rockers Kacey Musgraves and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real.
Join a musical world tour with Puerto Rican superstar Residente.
Thrill to the best in American roots music with Patty Griffin and The Revivalists.
Enjoy an intimate hour with renowned singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright.
Savor a special encore of protest soul classics from John Legend & the Roots' Grammy-winning LP Wake Up! Originally broadcast in 2011, the hour-long episode features "Wake Up Everybody," "Compared to What" and "Ordinary People."
Enjoy innovative Austin rock & roll from Jackie Venson, plus a vintage 2012 performance from soul/gospel legend Mavis Staples and her friend Bonnie Raitt. Bluesy, soulful guitarist Venson plays songs from her record Vintage Machine, while Staples performs songs from across her long career. Blues rock star Raitt joins her for a couple of tunes.
Thrill to an hour featuring eclectic country rock band the Mavericks, performing hits and songs from their acclaimed all-Spanish album En Español.
Enjoy highlights from Foo Fighters' two episodes of Austin City Limits.
Revel in modern Southern soul with The War and Treaty and Ruthie Foster.
Enjoy the roadhouse rock of legendary Texas songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard.
Savor the best of Austin alternative rock band Spoon on Austin City Limits.
Enjoy a tribute to late Texas singer/songwriters Jerry Jeff Walker and Billy Joe Shaver.
Enjoy an hour with New Orleans soul pioneer Allen Toussaint.
Enjoy Texas artists from across the musical spectrum with Leon Bridges and Khruangbin. Fort Worth native Bridges performs modern R&B tunes from his LP Gold-Diggers Sound. Houston trio Khruangbin plays worldbeat-tinged psych rock from its album Mordecai.
Enjoy fresh perspectives in song from Olivia Rodrigo and Phoebe Bridgers. The chart-topping Rodrigo performs tunes from her bestselling debut Sour, while Bridgers sings songs from her critically acclaimed LP Punisher.
Relish the distinctive sounds of songwriters and musicians St. Vincent and Joy Oladokun. The Grammy-winning St. Vincent plays songs from her much-praised LP Daddy's Home. Versatile singer/tunesmith Oladokun performs tunes from her album In Defense of My Own Happiness.
Revel in a performance from pop superstars Duran Duran. The British icons perform songs from their album Future Past, as well as greatest hits.
Enjoy an hour with maverick Texas singer/songwriter and artist Terry Allen and the Panhandle Mystery Band. The Guggenheim Fellowship winner performs songs from his lauded LP Just Like Moby Dick, as well as classics from his back catalog.
Enjoy an hour of late Texas singer/songwriter legend Nanci Griffith's best Austin City Limits performances.
Electro pop duo Sylvan Esso and wide-ranging indie rock band Lucius provide an entertaining hour of imaginative music. North Carolina's Sylvan Esso play songs from their new album No Rules Sandy, plus other favorites from their Grammy-nominated career. Acclaimed act Lucius perform tunes from their album Second Nature.
Montreal-to-Nashville singer/songwriter Allison Russell and Toronto indie rock act The Weather Station offer an hour of intelligent, impassioned and acclaimed music. Russell performs numbers from her renowned album Outside Child, while the Weather Station, AKA songwriter Tamara Lindeman, plays tunes from the widely lauded LP Ignorance.
Texas-bred singer/songwriters Parker McCollum and Robert Earl Keen bring the Lone Star State to musical life for a special hour. Rising country star McCollum plays tunes from his major label debut Gold Chain Cowboy. The legendary Keen performs songs from across his storied career in celebration of his upcoming retirement from the road.
Celebrated singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett, joined by his iconic Large Band, makes his first appearance in a decade with songs from his first new album in 10 years, 12th of June.
Cuban funk sensations Cimafunk and The Tribe wow in a must-see hour; the nine-piece powerhouse band makes a thrilling ACL debut with standouts from their soulful album El Alimento.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and Adia Victoria update soul and blues for a new generation on Austin City Limits. Rateliff and his band perform songs from their LP The Future. Victoria plays tunes from her Americana Music Awards Album of the Year nominated A Southern Gothic.
Black Pumas founder and visionary producer Adrian Quesada brings to life the music of his acclaimed Spanish-language album Boleros Psicodélicos in a thrilling hour, with international guest vocalists iLe, Natalia Clavier, Girl Ultra, Clemente Castillo and more.
Grammy-winning modern rockers The War On Drugs perform songs from their acclaimed LP I Don't Live Here Anymore.
Legendary alternative rock pioneers Pavement deliver modern rock highlights in a career-spanning hour. The veteran California band mark their thirtieth anniversary with a rare television performance.
Country superstar Maren Morris showcases gems from her Grammy-nominated album Humble Quest alongside chart-topping hits in a career-spanning hour.
One of modern rock's premier bands, Spoon performs songs from their Grammy-nominated album Lucifer On the Sofa alongside fan favorites.