| Image Upright: | 0.9 |
| Runtime: | 60 minutes |
| Narrated: | Terry Lickona (1979–present) |
| Num Seasons: | 50 |
| Num Episodes: | (over) 1,000 |
| Country: | United States |
| Theme Music Composer: | Alan Tew (1980–1982) John Mills (1982–1998; seasons 7–23) Gary P. Nunn (1977–2004; seasons 2–29) Fats Waller (1977–1981; seasons 2–6) Kevin Roth (1992–1996; seasons 17–21) Tequila Mockingbird (2000–2004; seasons 25–29) Charlie Sexton (2004–2007; seasons 30–32) Explosions in the Sky (2011–2014; seasons 37–39) Gary Clark Jr. (2014–2015; season 40) White Denim (2015–2017; seasons 41–42) The Black Angels (2017–2019; seasons 43–44) Spoon (2019–2020; season 45, 2021–2022; season 47) Black Pumas (2020–2021) St. Vincent (2022–2024; seasons 48–49) Adrian Quesada (2024–2025) |
| Opentheme: | "London Homesick Blues" (1977–2004) "Louisiana Fairy Tale" (1977–1981) "Shining Time Station" (1992–1996) "An Introduction" (2011–2014) "Travis County Line" (2014–2015) "New Shake" (2015–2017) "History of Women" (2017–2019) "Hot Thoughts" (2019–2020, 2021–2022) "Colors" (2020–2021) "Cruel" (2022–2024) "An Introduction" (2024–2025) |
| Endtheme: | "The Big One" (1980–1982) |
| Company: | Austin PBS |
| Network: | PBS |
| Last Aired: | present |
Austin City Limits is an American live music television program recorded and produced by Austin PBS. The show helped Austin become widely known in the United States as the "Live Music Capital of the World",[1] and is the only television show to receive the National Medal of Arts, which it was awarded in 2003.[2] It also won a rare institutional Peabody Award in 2011 "for its more than three decades of presenting and preserving eclectic American musical genres".[3] Austin City Limits is produced by Austin PBS under the Capital of Texas Public Telecommunications Council. The show was created in 1974 by Bill Arhos, Bruce Scafe, and Paul Bosner.
Beginning in Season 15 (1990), Austin City Limits began broadcasting in Dolby Surround, and continued until season 24 (1999). From 1976 to 2004 (seasons 1–29), the show was broadcast in NTSC. From 2004 to 2007 (seasons 30–32), the show was broadcast in HDTV 720p. Beginning in season 33 (2007–2008), the show began broadcasting in widescreen 1080i.
Each episode of "Austin City Limits" begins with a preview of the artist read by executive producer Terry Lickona. This leads into an opening credit sequence. After the credits, Lickona would introduce the artist. During the performance, the camera was usually positioned to allow for a variety of closeup shots. This enabled the viewer to see the musicians' hands, facial expressions, and instrument fingering. After the performance, there was an interview segment. After that, Lickona would introduce the next artist, which was followed by another interview segment. The show would then end with closing credits. The show "Austin City Limits" consisted of two performers in a half-hour format, and one performer in a one-hour format. The show was a combination of music and interviews. Austin City Limits was originally taped at KLRU's Studio 6A for the first 36 seasons, from 1976 to 2011. In 2011, the show moved to its new home at the Moody Theater for Season 37.[4]
Austin City Limits introduced its Songwriters Special in Season 5 (1980). The special featured established and up-and-coming songwriters performing their own songs. The Songwriters Special was a popular feature, and remained in use until Season 34 (2008–2009). The first Songwriters Special featured performances by Willie Nelson, Floyd Tillman, Hank Cochran, Red Lane, Whitey Shafer, and Sonny Throckmorton. The show was a critical and commercial success, and helped launch the careers of several country music stars.[5]
The pilot episode of "Austin City Limits" was taped on October 17, 1974, and starred Willie Nelson. The episode was deemed unusable, so another pilot was taped the following night, starring B.W. Stevenson. The deliberate lack of production slickness, combined with careful attention to audio detail, pleased even the notoriously TV-shy Nelson. The show's success as a fundraiser was enough for Arhos to get "Austin City Limits" green-lighted as a series.
Austin City Limits is a popular television series that features live music performances. The show inspired the creation of the Austin City Limits Music Festival, an annual live music festival held at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. In 1981, "Austin City Limits" became the highest rated live music show on PBS during Season 6. The following year, Bill Arhos returned to the show as executive producer for Season 7. He remained in that role until his retirement at the end of Season 24 in 1999. In 2014, Arhos was inducted into the "Austin City Limits" Hall of Fame. He died in 2015 at the age of 80.Some of the performances from "Austin City Limits" have been released as CDs and DVDs in the "Live from Austin, TX" series. The series includes a wide variety of musical genres, and the performances are always top-notch. If you're a fan of live music, this series is a must-have. Full episodes of Austin City Limits can be viewed online at the show's official website. There is also an Austin City Limits store where you can buy merchandise.[6] at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport.
On June 21, 2012, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, announced that nearly 40 years of Austin City Limits footage would be digitally archived "in perpetuity" at the Museum's new Library and Archives; recordings from more than 800 live performances will be made available to the public.[7] [8] [9] [10] On September 9, 2018, Austin City Limits Radio was launched in Austin at 97.1 FM. The station broadcasts on a leased HD Radio subchannel of KGSR (93.3-HD2). The playlist is eclectic and representative of the television show's history.[11]
In 1981, during Season 6, "Austin City Limits" became the highest-rated live music show on PBS. That same year, the show began syndicating to local stations under the moniker "Austin City Limits Encore." In 2016, MTV Live (formerly Palladia HD) acquired the rights to rerun the series under the moniker "Best of Austin City Limits."[12] From 2002 to 2003, CMT (formerly Country Music Television) repackaged several country music-themed episodes of "Austin City Limits" under the moniker "Best of Austin City Limits." When "Austin City Limits" aired on CMT, the episodes were 42 minutes long to allow for commercials. Each episode began with an introduction by Charlie Robison and Tara McNamara. From 1992 to 1993, TNN repackaged older "Austin City Limits" performers under the moniker "Austin Encore." The repackaged shows featured a mix of musical genres, including rock, blues, country, and folk. From 1998 to 2002, reruns of "Austin City Limits" aired on CMT Canada. The show featured live musical performances by a wide range of artists. In 2022, Circle Country (formerly Circle Network) began repackaging older "Austin City Limits" episodes under the moniker Austin City Limits: Country. "Austin City Limits: Country" was hosted first by Rodney Crowell during Season 1 in 2022, and by Ray Benson during Season 2 in 2023.
By Season 16 in 1991, "Austin City Limits" was broadcast in the United States and Canada. Subsequently, it began broadcasting internationally in different countries via satellite. Translations were done in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, Iran, South Korea, Australia, the Netherlands, and Japan.
In 1976, Joe Gracey served as the talent consultant for the first season of Austin City Limits. He was responsible for booking the musical acts that appeared on the show. [13] In 1979, during season 4, Terry Lickona joined the program as a producer. He was later promoted to executive producer. [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] Bruce Scafe was the first director of "Austin City Limits." He directed the show's first two seasons in 1976 and 1977. In Season 3 (1978), Charles Vaughn took over as producer-director, while Bill Arhos and Howard Chalmers were executive producers. Clark Santee took over as director of Austin City Limits in Season 4, which aired in 1979. Allan Muir took over as director of Austin City Limits in Season 5 (1980). He remained in that role until the end of Season 7 (1982). In 1983, Gary Menotti replaced Allan Muir as the director of Austin City Limits. Menotti's first season as director was Season 8.
From 1976 to 2011, seasons 1 through 36 of "Austin City Limits" were taped at Studio 6A in the Communications Building B on the University of Texas at Austin campus. The studio was located on the sixth floor of the building, which is why it was designated as Studio 6A. In 2010, the show's original studio, which was located in Austin, Texas, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Austin City Limits was a popular venue for artists of all genres. It was known for its innovative sound and recording techniques. A plaque near the entrance to Communications Building B commemorates the show's long history. The plaque proclaims Austin City Limits to be the "longest running music show in the history of American television."[22] Starting in Season 37 (2011-2012), Austin City Limits moved from Studio 6A to Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin's Block 21. The Moody Theater is a state-of-the-art venue that hosts a variety of performances and events. [23]
On December 2, 2014, in celebration of Austin City Limits' 40th season, a DVD titled Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years was released.[24]
See main article: List of Austin City Limits performers.
"Austin City Limits" was born when Paul Bosner came up with the idea for a live music show while driving back to Dallas, Texas, and seeing an Austin City Limits highway sign. Paul Bosner, who received a call at San Antonio and Austin, Texas PBS station KLRN, was urged to put a live music program on the air. Bosner agreed, and the station went on to produce the live music show "Austin City Limits." After hanging up the phone, Bill Arhos asked, "Why don't we do a music show? I've got the perfect title." Paul Bosner came up with the idea for "Austin City Limits" and named the show after the 1974 film "Macon County Line." He pitched the pilot as part of a PBS pledge drive. According to KLRN program director Bill Arhos, Paul Bosner said, "Bill, would you agree to a live music program?" Bill Arhos then asked, "Why did you call this show Austin City Limits?". The pilot episode of "Austin City Limits" was taped on October 17, 1974, at KLRN in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. Willie Nelson was the featured performer. The episode aired on March 22, 1975, on 34 PBS stations nationwide. The Austin City Limits staff built the set and set up the shoot. They then invited the musician to perform. The musician performed for the cameras, and the crew captured the performance on videotape.
Season 1 of "Austin City Limits" aired on PBS in 1976. It was submitted to KLRN, its national PBS distributor in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. The first season consisted of 13 one-hour episodes. The show opens with a soundcheck led by producer Paul Bosner. The opening montage begins with shots of the countryside, lingering on the Austin City Limits sign. The opening montage then shifts to scenes of local nightclubs, including Threadgill's, The Cotton Exchange Saloon, One Knite, Castle Creek, Split Rail, Broken Spoke, Texas Opry House, Armadillo World Headquarters, and the Soap Creek Saloon. The final shot is of the empty stage, with the Austin City Limits logo and the performer's name. The closing credits for "Austin City Limits" feature the same shot of the empty stage, as in the opening. Season 1 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1976. It was the first season to use the 1971-1984 PBS logo featuring "The Tri-Colored Everyman P-Heads." This logo remained in use until Season 9 in 1984.
In 1976, during Season 1 of "Austin City Limits," director Bruce Scafe chose "London Homesick Blues" by Gary P. Nunn as the theme song. It was used until Season 29 (2003-2004). For Season 2 in 1977, Scafe took the song from Season 1, Episode 13, featuring Jerry Jeff Walker and The Lost Gonzo Band, and used it as the audio to accompany landscape and nightclub shots.
Charles Vaughn became the producer and director of "Austin City Limits" during Season 3 in 1978. Terry Lickona, Ray Lucero, and Gary Menotti also joined the Austin City Limits staff that season. In 1978, during Season 3 of Austin City Limits, PBS aired its first Austin City Limits special, "The Best of Austin City Limits: Country Music and Then Some."
Season 4 of "Austin City Limits" in 1979 marked a significant change for the show. It broadened its scope to include musical styles other than Texas country artists. This change was prompted by a change in producers, with Terry Lickona taking over as producer, and later executive producer. Additionally, the partnership with KLRN in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, was dissolved. During this season, the set featured red and blue lights designed by Robert Sertner. The audience could darken the stage by dimming the lights, which allowed for a more intimate atmosphere.
Season 5 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1980. This season featured a new set design with horse fences to block the audience from the camera's view. This season also marked the beginning of production by the Southwest Texas Public Broadcasting Council after KLRN in San Antonio and Austin, Texas dissolved production in 1979. Season 5 of "Austin City Limits" in 1980 featured a "Songwriters Special" that showcased performances by some of the most talented songwriters of the time. The first episode featured Willie Nelson, Floyd Tillman, Hank Cochran, Red Lane, Whitey Shafer, Sonny Throckmorton, and Ray Price. Buddy Emmons' 1976 recording of "Deep in the Heart of Texas" plays during the opening credits of Austin City Limits. The credits feature scenes of the Austin City Limits staff driving a truck through Texas landscapes. At the end of the credits, the Austin City Limits sign appears. Allan Muir took over as the new director of "Austin City Limits" during Season 5 in 1980. He broadened the scope of the show to include different styles of music. Some of the artists who appeared during his tenure include Roy Clark, Gatemouth Brown, Don Williams, Joe Ely, and Marty Robbins.
Season 6 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1981, was the last season to use the horse fences set that had been in use since Season 5 in 1980. The horse fences set was replaced by the Austin skyline backdrop in Season 7 in 1982. During Season 6, "Austin City Limits" became the highest rated live music show on PBS. That same year, Austin City Limits went to commercial syndication, and the show began syndicating to local stations under the name "Austin City Limits Encore." In 1981, during Season 6, PBS aired two Austin City Limits specials. "Swingin' Over the Rainbow" featured Willie Nelson and Ray Benson, while "Country Classics from Austin City Limits" showcased a compilation of classic country songs from the first five seasons of Austin City Limits from 1976 to 1980.
Season 7 of "Austin City Limits" in 1982 was the first not to have a Songwriters Special. However, it did introduce the show's iconic Austin skyline backdrop, and the return of "Austin City Limits" creator and founder Bill Arhos as the executive producer. In addition, this season introduced the show's opening theme music by John Mills. John Mills was asked to record the opening theme, and he did so at a studio. The sound was then put on acetate to make it more audience friendly. "Austin City Limits" was nominated for and won Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards. Allan Muir directed Season 7 of "Austin City Limits" in 1982. This was his last season as director, as he left the show after this season.
Season 8 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1983. Gary Menotti replaced Allan Muir as the director, and the show broadened its scope to include musical styles other than Texas country and blues artists. B.B. King, Loretta Lynn, John Conlee, Rosanne Cash, Steve Wariner, and Tammy Wynette performed. In addition, the lights of the Austin skyline backdrop were given new paint jobs. Season 8 of Austin City Limits featured the West Texas Songwriters Special. The show included performances by Butch Hancock, David Halley, Townes Van Zandt, and Jimmie Gilmore, now known as Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Season 8 also featured the Songwriters Showcase, which included performances by Rodney Crowell, John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver, Guy Clark, Keith Sykes, Bill Caswell, and Rosanne Cash.
Season 9 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1984. Season 9 was the last season to use the 1971–1984 PBS logo with the "Tri-Colored Everyman P-Heads." This logo had been in use since the 1974 pilot episode with Willie Nelson, and Season 1 in 1976. Beginning with this season, the 1976 recording of "London Homesick Blues" from Season 1 is played during the opening credits. During the closing credits, a more modern recording of "London Homesick Blues" is featured, with Gary P. Nunn on lead vocals and several backup vocalists. The original recording was taken from Season 8, Episode 8 in 1983, featuring Michael Martin Murphey and Gary P. Nunn. During this season, PBS aired an Austin City Limits special titled "Country Memories," which was hosted by Willie Nelson. Season 9 of Austin City Limits featured performances by country music legends, including Faron Young, Kitty Wells, the Sons of the Pioneers, Joe and Rosie Maphis, Pee Wee King, Red Stewart, Johnny Wright, and the Collins Sisters.
Season 10 of Austin City Limits celebrated the PBS live music show's 10th anniversary in 1985. The show celebrated this milestone by showcasing great music, legendary singers and pickers, and the stars of tomorrow. Since its inception in 1974, Austin City Limits has featured the best of country music and then some. In 1985, Season 10 of "Austin City Limits" was taped outdoors for the first time. The season featured a 10th anniversary party in downtown Austin with Bob Wills' Texas Playboys. Over 5,000 fans attended the party, which included a concert and a barbecue. Season 10 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1985. It featured the show's first tribute show, which honored singer-songwriter Steve Goodman. Goodman died on September 20, 1984, at the age of 36. Season 10 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1985. It was the first season to use the 1984–1989 PBS logo featuring the "Split Profile". That logo would remain in use until Season 14 in 1989.
Austin City Limits introduced an all-female Songwriters Special in 1986 during Season 11. The special featured female performers gathering around to perform their original songs. Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, Gail Davies, Lacy J. Dalton, Pam Rose, and Mary Ann Kennedy were among the performers. During Season 11 of "Austin City Limits" in 1986, a special reunion episode was aired. The episode featured a lineup that included Steve Fromholz, Asleep at the Wheel, Tracy Nelson, Marcia Ball, St. Greezy's Wheel, Rusty Wier, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Gary P. Nunn.
Season 12 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1987. It was the last season to be produced by the Southwest Texas Public Broadcasting Council, which had been producing the show since Season 5 in 1980. After this season, the Southwest Texas Public Broadcasting Council dissolved, and two PBS stations, KLRN and KLRU, split up. KLRN became the Alamo Public Telecommunications Council, and KLRU became the Capital of Texas Public Telecommunications Council.
Season 13 of Austin City Limits aired in 1988. That year, the Southwest Texas Public Broadcasting Council dissolved, and the Capital of Texas Public Telecommunications Council, KLRU, took over production of the show. KLRU continued producing Austin City Limits until Season 44 (2018-2019), when the station rebranded as Austin PBS.
Season 14 of Austin City Limits aired in 1989. This season featured a Songwriters Special with performances by Harlan Howard, Don Schlitz, Mike Reid, Janis Ian, Kye Fleming, and Mark Wright. Season 14 of Austin City Limits also featured a Texas Music Showcase. Robert Earl Keen Jr., now known as Robert Earl Keen, was among the performers, as were Rosie Flores, Tony Perez, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Season 14 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1989, was the last season to use the 1984-1989 PBS logo featuring the "Split Profile." The logo had been in use since Season 10 in 1985. In 1989, PBS aired a special "Great Moments from Austin City Limits" during Season 14 of Austin City Limits. The special was hosted by Austin City Limits producer Terry Lickona.
Season 15 of Austin City Limits celebrated the PBS live music program's 15th anniversary in 1990. The season marked the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s for the show. Season 15 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1990, was the first season to use the 1989–1993 PBS logo with the "3D Glass." This logo remained in use until Season 17, which aired in 1992. In 1990, Season 15 of "Austin City Limits" featured "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," a special episode that included performances by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Denver, Vassar Clements, New Grass Revival, Randy Scruggs, Helen and Anita Carter, Paulette Carlson, and Jimmy Martin. Season 15 of Austin City Limits also featured the W.C. Clark Blues Revue. The revue included performances by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Angela Strehli, Lou Ann Barton, Kim Wilson, and Danny Freeman. In 1990, during Season 15 of "Austin City Limits," KLRU and TNN launched a spinoff series called "The Texas Connection." "The Texas Connection" aired on TNN from 1990 to 1994.
Season 16 of Austin City Limits aired in 1991, which was the show's 15th anniversary. For this season, the show was broadcast in both the United States and Canada. That same year, "Austin City Limits" began broadcasting internationally in different countries around the world. Some of the countries that broadcast "Austin City Limits" include Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, Iran, South Korea, Australia, the Netherlands, and Japan. During this season, "Austin City Limits" aired "A Salute to the Cowboy," which featured performances by Michael Martin Murphey, Riders in the Sky, The Sons of the San Joaquin, Waddie Mitchell, and Don Edwards.
Season 17 of Austin City Limits aired in 1992. Season 17 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1992, was the last season to use the 1989–1993 PBS logo with the "3D Glass," which had been in use since Season 15 in 1990. The season kicked off with an all-female Songwriters Special featuring performances by Nanci Griffith, Indigo Girls, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Julie Gold. Also during Season 17, "Austin Encore" premiered on TNN. It featured replays of performers from past seasons of "Austin City Limits". "Austin Encore" aired on TNN from 1992 to 1993. In 1992, PBS aired an Austin City Limits special, "Neil Young in Concert". This was a replay of Neil Young's performance on Austin City Limits during Season 10 in 1985, when the show celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Season 18 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1993. Season 18 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1993, was the first season to use the 1993–1996 PBS logo with the "Orange CGI P-Head." This logo remained in use until Season 21 in 1996. Beginning with this season, "Austin City Limits" began focusing on replays of classic performances. These encores were presented as "Austin City Limits Classic," and continued until Season 26 (2000-2001). This season, an "Austin City Limits" classic encore included a replay of B.B. King's performance from Season 8 in 1983. King's performance was a highlight of that season, and his appearance on the show is considered by many to be one of his best.
Season 19 of "Austin City Limits" aired on PBS in 1994. It was the first season without any "Austin City Limits Classic" encores, but it did feature a retrospective special called "Merle Haggard in Concert." The special was a compilation of Merle Haggard's performances on the show from his first "Austin City Limits" appearance in Season 3 in 1978 to his latest appearance in Season 16 in 1991. Season 19 also featured a Songwriters Special that included performances by Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and Rodney Crowell.
Season 20 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1995. To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary, a number 20 was added behind the "Austin City Limits" logo. The anniversary season also featured a bluegrass special performed by Ricky Skaggs, Larry Sparks, and Ralph Stanley. In addition, Season 20 featured a Tejano Music Special with performances by Flaco Jimenez, Rick Orozco, Joel Nava, La Diferenzia, and Freddy Fender.
Season 21 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1996. Season 21 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1996, was the last season to use the 1993-1996 PBS logo with the "Orange CGI P-Head." This logo had been in use since Season 18, which aired in 1993. Season 21 featured a special episode called "Sagebrush Symphony," which showcased music of the American west. Performers included Michael Martin Murphey, the Sons of the San Joaquin, Hank Thompson, Robert Mirabal, and Herb Jeffries, who were accompanied by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Season 21 of Austin City Limits featured an encore presentation of classic performances from past seasons titled "Austin City Limits Classic," and included replays of Roy Orbison's performance from Season 8 in 1983, Roger Miller from Season 8 in 1983, and Marty Robbins from Season 5 in 1980. During the encore, the Austin City Limits logo had a banner reading "CLASSIC." Season 21 of Austin City Limits aired in 1996. It marked Asleep at the Wheel's 25th anniversary. The show featured performances by Asleep at the Wheel, and special guests Willie Nelson, Tracy Byrd, Wade Hayes, Delbert McClinton, and Charlie Daniels.
Season 22 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1997 and featured a Songwriters Special. The special included performances by Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Kimmie Rhodes, and Billy Joe Shaver. Also during Season 22, "Austin City Limits" aired tributes to Walter Hyatt and Bill Monroe, who both died in 1996. The Bill Monroe tribute featured a 1981 Austin City Limits performance by Monroe from Season 6, and a 1986 Austin City Limits "Legends of Bluegrass" performance from Season 11 by Monroe and a group of bluegrass legends, including Ralph Stanley, Jim & Jesse, and Mac Wiseman. Austin City Limits Season 22 included "A Tribute to Walter Hyatt," who was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 1997. The tribute was performed by Lyle Lovett and a group of other artists, including David Ball, Champ Hood, Willis Alan Ramsey, Marcia Ball, Shawn Colvin, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Junior Brown, David Halley, and Allison Moorer. In 1997, during Season 22, Austin City Limits aired a special called "Legends of Country Music." The special was hosted by Pam Tillis. In 1997, Season 22 of "Austin City Limits" featured a "Best of Austin Country Showcase." The showcase included performances by Libbi Bosworth, Dale Watson, The Derailers, Wayne Hancock, Don Walser, and Mary Cutrufello. Season 22 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1997, was the first season to use the 1996-1998 PBS logo with the "CGI Window." This logo remained in use through Season 23 in 1998. In 1997 during Season 22, "Austin City Limits" launched its website, which included material from the show's performers and new features designed just for the World Wide Web. The site also included a history of "Austin City Limits" and archival episodes. The "Austin City Limits" website can be found at the PBS website, www.pbs.org.
Season 23 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1998 and featured "A Celebration of Townes Van Zandt," which included footage from Townes Van Zandt's 1976 Austin City Limits performance from Season 1, and footage from a West Texas Songwriters Special from Season 8 in 1983. Performers included Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Nanci Griffith, John T. Van Zandt, Lyle Lovett, Peter Rowan, and Jack Clement. Beginning with this season, the opening theme music was produced by John Mills, and recorded at Bee Creek Studio. Season 23 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1998, was the last season to use the 1996–1998 PBS logo with the "CGI Window." That logo had been in use since Season 22, which aired in 1997. Austin City Limits aired a "Big Blues Extravaganza" special during this season. They also aired a "Best of Chet Atkins" special hosted by Garrison Keillor, and a "Women in Song" special. The Manhattan Transfer performs a full hour of New York style music on the Austin City Limits stage during the 23rd season in 1998. Special guests Ricky Skaggs and Asleep at the Wheel join The Manhattan Transfer on stage. In 1998, "Austin City Limits" won the W.C. Handy "Keeping the Blues Alive" award. The award is given to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the blues.
Season 24 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1999. This was the last season that Bill Arhos, the show's creator and founder, served as executive producer. He had returned to the show during Season 7 in 1982. Bill Arhos was a longtime public television executive. He joined KLRN in 1962 as program director, and then became general manager of KLRU from 1986 to 1999. Arhos retired from producing "Austin City Limits" after the season ended. This season, Austin City Limits adopted the tagline "Where Music Lives." This tagline reflects the show's commitment to presenting a wide variety of musical genres. Season 24 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1999. That season featured "Mexican Roots Music: A Celebration," which showcased a full hour of Mexican music on the Austin City Limits stage. Performers included Los Lobos, also known as Los Super 7, Freddy Fender, Flaco Jimenez, Ruben Ramos, Rick Trevino, Joe Ely, Tish Hinojosa, and Campanas de America. Season 24 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1999, was the first season to use the 1998–2002 PBS logo with the "Circle P-Heads." This logo remained in use until Season 27 (2001-2002).
In 2000, Austin City Limits celebrated its 25th anniversary during Season 25. The season celebrated 25 years of American music, and the 25th season of "Austin City Limits" marked a silver anniversary. Austin City Limits has introduced interview segments that air after the performance at the beginning of the season. These interviews provide additional insight into the artists' creative process and inspirations. During Season 25, "Austin City Limits" introduced a logo that incorporated a musical note and flames. This logo was used until Season 29 (2003-2004) along with the text "Austin City Limits Twenty-Five Years of American Music 1975-2000". In 2000, during the closing credits, a book phone offer was shown for this season only to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Austin City Limits. The companion book, "Austin City Limits 25 Years of American Music," features photographs of performers from the first 24 seasons of "Austin City Limits" from 1976 to 1999, along with the history of the show and behind-the-scenes stories. During this season, Austin City Limits creator and founder Bill Arhos was no longer credited as the executive producer. He retired after the 24th season in 1999 Season 25 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 2000. That season featured a Songwriters Special, with performances by Emmylou Harris, Dave Matthews, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller, and Judy Miller. In the 25th anniversary season of "Austin City Limits," a new opening theme music was arranged by Tequila Mockingbird. This music remained in use until Season 29 (2003-2004). On November 18, 1999, Doug Sahm died at the age of 58. As a tribute to him, "Austin City Limits" featured the Texas Tornados during Season 25.
Season 26 of Austin City Limits aired during the 2000-2001 season. The logo for that season was a holdover from Season 25 (2000). It featured a musical note and flames, and read "Austin City Limits Original American Music Since 1975." The Austin City Limits logo also had a banner that says "CLASSIC" for classic encores. For this season only, Terry Lickona appeared on camera for the "Austin City Limits" classic encores. He introduced the performers, and his segments were a nice addition to the show. Season 26 of "Austin City Limits" was the last season to use the classic encores that had been a staple of the show since Season 18 in 1993. The encores were a popular feature that allowed viewers to see favorite performances again. Season 26 of "Austin City Limits" includes replays of several classic encore performances. These include A Celebration of Townes Van Zandt from Season 23 in 1998; Tom Waits from Season 4 in 1979; Fats Domino from Season 12 in 1987; the outtakes of Stevie Ray Vaughan's 1984 performance from Season 9; the 1990 performances from Season 15; and Leonard Cohen from Season 14 in 1989.
Season 27 of "Austin City Limits" aired during the 2001-2002 season. This season marked the end of the classic encores that had been a staple of the show since Season 18 in 1993. In 2001, during the 27th season of Austin City Limits, CMT began airing older episodes of the show under the title "Best of Austin City Limits." These episodes were edited to make room for commercials, and several parts were missing. Season 27 of Austin City Limits, which aired during the 2001–2002 season, was the last season to use the 1998–2002 PBS logo with the "Circle P-Heads," which had been in use since Season 24 in 1999.
Season 28 of Austin City Limits aired during the 2002-2003 season. Season 28 of Austin City Limits, which aired during the 2002-2003 season, was the first season to use the 2002–2010 PBS "Be More" logo. This logo remained in use until Season 34 (2008-2009). Also during this season, we started our annual Austin City Limits Music Festival. During this season, "Austin City Limits" aired "By the Hand of the Father," which featured music by Alejandro Escovedo, Pete Escovedo, Rosie Flores, and Ruben Ramos.
Season 29 of "Austin City Limits" aired during the 2003-2004 season. This season was the last to use the show's theme song, "London Homesick Blues" by Gary P. Nunn, which had been used since Season 2 in 1977. It was also the last season to broadcast in 480i NTSC, which "Austin City Limits" had done since the pilot episode in 1974, and Season 1 in 1976. This is the last season to use the Austin City Limits logo featuring a musical note and flames, which had been done all the way since Season 25 (2000). The logo reads "Austin City Limits Original American Music Since 1975", which had been used since Season 26 (2000-2001). This is also the last season to use the opening theme music by Tequila Mockingbird, which had been in use since Season 25 (2000).
2004 was the 30th anniversary of "Austin City Limits," and to commemorate the occasion, a number 30 was added to the Austin City Limits logo. In addition, the show switched from NTSC to HDTV, and a new opening theme music, written and performed by Charlie Sexton, was introduced. The new theme replaced "London Homesick Blues" by Gary P. Nunn, which had been used from 1977 to 2004 in seasons 2-29. The opening theme remained in use until Season 32 (2006-2007).
Austin City Limits Season 32, which aired during the 2006-2007 season, was the last season to use the opening theme music written and performed by Charlie Sexton. This theme had been in use since Season 30 (2004-2005).
Season 33 of "Austin City Limits" aired during the 2007-2008 season. One of the episodes was a special recorded at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival.
Season 34 of Austin City Limits was the final season to use the Songwriters Special, which had been a feature since Season 5 in 1980. The Songwriters Special featured songwriters gathering around to perform their original songs. After Season 34, "Austin City Limits" discontinued the Songwriters Special. Season 34 of Austin City Limits, which aired during the 2008-2009 season, was the last season to use the 2002-2010 PBS "Be More" logo. The logo had been in use since Season 28 (2002-2003).
Season 35 of "Austin City Limits" celebrated the 35th anniversary of the PBS show in 2009-2010. This season marked the end of the Songwriters Special, which had been a regular feature since Season 5 in 1980. Season 35 of Austin City Limits, which aired during the 2009-2010 season, was the first season to use the 2009-2022 PBS "Be More II" logo. That logo remained in use until Season 44 (2018-2019). The Austin City Limits logo was modified to celebrate its 35th anniversary. A number 35 was placed behind the logo, and "35 years" was placed below.
Season 36 of "Austin City Limits" was the last season to be taped at its original home at Studio 6A before moving to the Moody Theater. The show's pilot episode with Willie Nelson was taped there in 1974, and Season 1 was taped there in 1976. After 36 seasons in Studio 6A, "Austin City Limits" bid farewell to that studio in 2011. The show then moved to the Moody Theater for Season 37 (2011-2012).
Season 37 of "Austin City Limits" aired during the 2011-2012 season. It was a landmark season for the show as it moved to a new location, ACL Live at the Moody Theater, which replaced Studio 6A, which had been the show's home for Seasons 1-36 (1976-2011). Austin City Limits introduced new opening theme music, "An Introduction" by Explosions in the Sky, at the start of this season. The theme was used through Season 39 (2013-2014). Season 37 also aired a classic encore from Season 4 in 1979, a Tom Waits performance. This encore aired during the Christmas season from 2011 to 2019.
Season 39 of Austin City Limits, which aired during the 2013-2014 season, was the last season to use "An Introduction" by Explosions in the Sky as its opening theme music. The song had been used since Season 37, which aired during the 2011-2012 season.
Season 40 of Austin City Limits aired in the 2014-2015 season and marked the PBS live music show's 40th anniversary. The show introduced a new opening theme music, "Travis County Line" by Gary Clark Jr. This season also saw the establishment of the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame. Season 40 was dedicated to Bill Arhos, the show's creator, founder, and executive producer. Arhos was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2014. Sadly, Arhos passed away on April 11, 2015, at the age of 80. Arhos was the executive producer of "Austin City Limits" from 1982 to 1999, overseeing seasons 7 through 24. He served as president and general manager at KLRU from 1986 to 1999, retiring from producing Austin City Limits in 1999.
The 2015-2016 season of "Austin City Limits" is the first season since the passing of its creator, Bill Arhos. This season features a new opening theme song, "New Shake" by White Denim. Arhos was a pioneer in the world of televised music, and his contributions to the music industry were significant. He will be greatly missed. During this season, Terry Lickona formed his production company, LickonaVision. LickonaVision was acquired from KLRU.
The 2017-2018 season of "Austin City Limits" was Season 43. The show featured a new opening theme music, "History of Women" by The Black Angels.
Season 44 of "Austin City Limits" aired during the 2018-2019 season. This was the last season that KLRU, the Capital of Texas Public Telecommunications Council, produced the show. KLRU had been producing the show since Season 13 in 1988. Season 44 of Austin City Limits, which aired during the 2018-2019 season, was the final season to use the 2009-2022 PBS "Be More II" logo. The logo had been in use since Season 35 (2009-2010). During that season, KGSR was rebranded as Austin City Limits Radio, and the rebranding was a success.
Season 45 of Austin City Limits aired during the 2019-2020 season. This was also the season that KLRU rebranded as Austin PBS. Season 45 of Austin City Limits aired on PBS during the 2019-2020 season. This was the first season to use the 2019 PBS "21st Century PBS" logo. Austin City Limits introduced a new opening theme for the 2019-2020 season, "Hot Thoughts" by Spoon, from their 2019 album of the same name. In this season, "Austin City Limits" paid tribute to Guy Clark, featuring a performance by Steve Earle and the Dukes. The tribute also included footage from Guy Clark's Austin City Limits appearances, such as Season 2 in 1977, and Season 15 in 1990. Earle and the Dukes performed some of Clark's songs.
Season 46 of "Austin City Limits" aired during the 2020-2021 season. This season featured a tribute to John Prine, which included an introduction by Jason Isbell. The 46th season of "Austin City Limits" was taped without a live studio audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first and only time in the show's history that episodes were taped without a live audience. "Austin City Limits" also introduced a new opening theme song, "Colors," performed by Black Pumas. Austin City Limits also aired "Stevie Ray Vaughan 30 Years On" and "Foo Fighters Rock Austin City Limits" during this season. Both shows were met with critical acclaim. During this season, Austin City Limits aired "The Best of Spoon," a compilation of Spoon's appearances on the show, starting with Season 29 (2003-2004).
Season 47 of "Austin City Limits" aired during the 2021-2022 season. This season marked the return of Austin City Limits to live studio audiences after the COVID-19 pandemic ended. "Austin City Limits" creator Paul Bosner passed away on March 24, 2022, at the age of 94. Bosner was a veteran television producer, filmmaker, and photographer. He was also the show's creator, founder, and producer. During Season 47 (2021-2022), Austin City Limits aired "The Best of Nanci Griffith," a compilation of her appearances on the show. These appearances began in Season 10 (1985) and ended with Season 27 (2001-2002).
Season 48 of "Austin City Limits" aired during the 2022-2023 season. This season has a new opening theme music, "Cruel" by St. Vincent.
Season 50 of Austin City Limits is a celebration of the PBS live music show's 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the show introduced a new theme song, "An Introduction," which was written and performed by Adrian Quesada.
Established as part of the 40th anniversary of Austin City Limits in 2014.[25]
The pilot episode of "Austin City Limits" was taped at Studio 6A on October 17, 1974, and aired on March 22, 1975. The set for the pilot was designed by Bruce Scafe. "Austin City Limits" was taped at Studio 6A for Seasons 1 through 36, which ran from 1976 to 2011. The first set for "Austin City Limits" was designed by Bruce Scafe, Paul Bosner, and Augie Kymmel. It featured a black stage backdrop with colored mats, a stage floor with audience seats, and a view of the audience that could be seen far behind the performer. This set was used during Season 1 in 1976 and Season 2 in 1977. In 1978, during Season 3 of Austin City Limits, the audience was removed from behind the performer, and the performer was placed on a black stage backdrop with the audience to the side. In 1979, during Season 4, red and blue lights were added to the set, which allowed the audience to darken the stage to focus attention on the performer. In 1980 and 1981, during Seasons 5 and 6, horse fences were added to the set. The Austin skyline backdrop was added to the set in 1982 during Season 7. The lights of the skyline changed color in 1983 at the start of Season 8. A grid of stairs was added to the middle of the backdrop in 1986 for Season 11, and remained until Season 22 in 1997. The grid of stairs was removed in 1998 at the start of Season 23. Starting with Season 37 (2011–2012), Austin City Limits moved from Studio 6A to its new home at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. The Moody Theater is a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of 2,750.
In 1976, during Season 1 of "Austin City Limits," producer Paul Bosner ran a soundcheck. The resulting audio was used to accompany each episode's two-minute opening sequence. From 1977 to 2004, Austin City Limits used "London Homesick Blues" by Gary P. Nunn as its theme song. The song was used for seasons 2 through 29. From 1977 to 1981, "Louisiana Fairy Tale" by Fats Waller was the theme for "Austin City Limits." The song was later adopted as the theme for "This Old House" from 1979 to 2002 in seasons 1-23. The closing theme for "Austin City Limits" from 1980 to 1982 in seasons 5-7 was "The Big One" by Alan Tew. This song was later used on "The People's Court" during the Joseph Wapner era from 1981 to 1993. From 1992 to 1996 ins season 17-21, the theme music for Austin City Limits was "Shining Time Station". It was written by Joe Raposo and performed by Kevin Roth. From 1982 to 1998, the opening theme music for Austin City Limits was performed by John Mills. Mills composed the opening theme for seasons 7-23. From 2000 to 2004, Austin City Limits featured music by Tequila Mockingbird. The band provided the opening theme music for seasons 25-29. From 2004 to 2007, Austin musician Charlie Sexton composed the opening theme music for seasons 30-32 of Austin City Limits. From 2011 to 2014 in seasons 37-39, Austin City Limits featured "An Introduction" as its opening theme music. The song was written and performed by Explosions in the Sky. The opening sequence for "Austin City Limits" was created by Jonathan Jackson.[26] Season 40 of Austin City Limits featured Austin native Gary Clark Jr.'s "Travis County Line" as its theme song. The song was an appropriate choice, as it captures the spirit of Austin, Texas. Season 41-42 of Austin City Limits featured "New Shake" by White Denim as its opening theme music. The song was written by White Denim and is included on their album "Corsicana Lemonade." The Black Angels' song "History of Women" was used as the theme song for seasons 43 and 44 of Austin City Limits. The opening theme music for Season 45 and Season 47 of Austin City Limits was "Hot Thoughts" by Spoon. Season 46 of Austin City Limits featured "Colors" by Black Pumas as the opening theme music. The song was released in 2019 as part of the band's debut album, "Black Pumas." "Cruel" by St. Vincent became the theme song for Season 48 and Season 49 of Austin City Limits. S Season 50 of Austin City Limits featured "An Introduction" by Adrian Quesada as its theme music. The music was composed by Adrian Quesada and performed by him and his band.