Category: Hall of Fame

Austin City Limits 12th Annual Hall of Fame Honors Brandi Carlile Premieres September 12

Post author By Lily Angelle
Post date September 11, 2026

In an unforgettable installment, Austin City Limits (ACL) celebrates acclaimed singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile with a special hour saluting her induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame. The Season 52 episode features a memorable induction by the legendary Bonnie Raitt, who also joins Carlile onstage for a one-of-a-kind performance. One of the most respected and beloved artists of her generation, Carlile makes her fourth headlining appearance on the ACL stage in an hour that celebrates both her remarkable career and her deep connection to the series. The 11-time GRAMMY Award winner delivers a stunning set centered around her acclaimed album Returning to Myself.

The episode premieres Saturday, September 12 at 8 p.m. CT/9 p.m. ET. ACL airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings), with full episodes available to stream at PBS.org and on the PBS App. All Season 52 episodes, including Brandi Carlile’s Hall of Fame hour, will also be available to stream free on the ACLTV YouTube Channel.

The hour opens with a series of recorded salutes celebrating Carlile’s singular talent and impact, featuring tributes from Sheryl Crow, the Indigo Girls, the Highwomen and more. 13-time GRAMMY Award winner Bonnie Raitt, a 2016 ACL Hall of Fame inductee, takes the stage to induct Carlile, reflecting on the legacy of the television series and its unique place in music history. “For more than half a century now Austin City Limits has been a loving home to all kinds of real music and the real people that make it,” says Raitt, who celebrates Carlile by sharing, “There’s really no one quite like her. The most amazing range in voice, clarion clear and powerful, and as far-reaching as her songs and lyrics.”

Carlile accepts the honor by recounting her first journey to Austin with longtime bandmates and collaborators Tim and Phil Hanseroth. “Me and my brothers…first rolled into Austin in our old Chevy van, White Lightning it was called, over 20 years ago,” she recalls. “I remember getting to town and wanting two things: Tex-Mex and to know where Austin City Limits was taped.”

Following her induction, Carlile takes the stage for a dynamic set featuring selections from Returning to Myself, her first solo album in four years. She opens with the title track, alone with an acoustic guitar before her seven-piece band joins her mid-song, transforming the intimate opening into a soaring full-band arrangement. Acclaimed violin-and-cello duo SistaStrings adds lush accompaniment to the performance. Introducing “No One Knows Us,” Brandi quips, “This song’s about dysfunctional relationships—and how much I love ‘em,” before launching into the sweeping highlight.

“I want to welcome to the stage my hero Bonnie Raitt,” smiles Carlile, inviting Raitt to join her for “Love Me Like A Man,” Raitt’s early career classic that Carlile hand-selected for the occasion. Calling it “one of my favorite songs that you’ve ever done,” Carlile adds, “The guitar playing alone is about the sexiest thing I’ve ever been able to fathom.” Carlile and Raitt trade vocals on the blues burner in a powerhouse duet, bringing together two trailblazers in a one-of-a-kind ACL performance.

Carlile continues with “Human,” “Church & State” and “You Without Me” before closing the hour with a soaring rendition of Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited.”

Carlile first appeared on Austin City Limits in 2010 and returned in 2018 and 2022, building a remarkable legacy on the ACL stage. Her Hall of Fame induction marks another milestone in that relationship and recognizes an artist whose music has transcended genre while earning widespread acclaim as a singer, songwriter, producer, performer and activist.

“When you watch this episode, you’ll see why Brandi says it was ‘one of the most special days of my life,’” said ACL executive producer Terry Lickona. “There is a glow about her that creates a certain magic that runs through the whole show. The love between Brandi and Bonnie is genuine, and when they make music together, it’s a joy to watch.”

Brandi Carlile Episode Setlist:

“Returning to Myself”
“No One Knows Us”
“Human”
“Church & State”
“You Without Me”
“Love Me Like A Man” (with Bonnie Raitt)
“Uninvited”

Established in 2014, the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame honors artists who have played a defining role in the series’ more than half-century legacy, celebrating them with unforgettable, one-night-only tributes, carving their name into ACL history. Since its 10th anniversary in 2024, the Hall of Fame has shifted to spotlight a singular artist each year with an in-depth tribute.

Over the years, the Hall of Fame stage has brought together unforgettable pairings and once-in-a-lifetime performances, including Matthew McConaughey inducting Willie Nelson with Texas reverence and wit, Sean Penn honoring Lyle Lovett in a hilarious and deeply personal tribute, and Ethan Hawke saluting John Prine with poetic grace. Filmmaker Cameron Crowe welcomed My Morning Jacket into the fold, while Jason Isbell paid moving tribute to Lucinda Williams, and Don Henley honored Trisha Yearwood. Guitar great Jimmie Vaughan inducted Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples honored Bonnie Raitt and Chris Isaak saluted Roy Orbison. The Hall of Fame stage has also produced singular musical moments, including Garth Brooks’ marathon two hour masterclass for his induction, Willie Nelson joining Buddy Guy in tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the Flatlanders reuniting to celebrate Joe Ely. From all-star collaborations to intimate moments of connection, the Hall of Fame has become a cornerstone of ACL’s story, capturing the freewheeling spirit, community, and musical excellence that define the series.

Season 52 Broadcast Line-up (second half of season to be announced):

September 4 —Carlos Vives y La Provincia
September 12—Austin City Limits 12th Annual Hall of Fame Honors Brandi Carlile
September 19—Billy Strings
September 26—Miguel
October 3—Sienna Spiro
October 9—Olivia Rodrigo
October 17—Ari Lennox
October 24—The Red Clay Strays
October 31—Ty Myers
November 14—Sebastián Yatra
November 21—Austin City Limits Presents: Americana 25th Annual Honors

For press images and episode information, visit the Austin City Limits press room at ACLTV.com/press-room.

Filmed before a live audience at ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin, each episode captures the intimacy and authenticity that have made Austin City Limits a cultural institution for more than five decades. From legendary icons to today’s most exciting new voices, the series continues its mission of showcasing the very best in live music.

Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Honors Brandi Carlile premieres Saturday, September 12 on PBS. Austin City Limits and the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame are produced by Austin PBS. Watch full episodes of Austin City Limits on PBS, stream online, and via the PBS App. As of Season 52, all episodes will be available to stream for free on the ACLTV YouTube Channel. Follow @acltv on Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter and TikTok for updates on livestreams, future tapings and episode schedules. Fans can also explore the ACLTV YouTube Channel for exclusive songs, behind-the-scenes content, and full-length artist interviews. Learn more about Austin City Limits, its programming and its history at ACLTV.com.

Tags Brandi Carlile, Season 52

Hall of Fame News Ticket Giveaway

ACL Season 52 Taping Pass Giveaway: Austin City Limits 12th Annual Hall of Fame Honors Brandi Carlile

Post author By Lily Angelle
Post date June 25, 2026

*UPDATE: GIVEAWAY CLOSED* Brandi Carlile and Special Guest Bonnie Raitt return to Austin City Limits for the 12th Annual ACL Hall of Fame Induction and Taping on July 1, 2026at 8 pm at ACL Live at The Moody Theater (310 W. 2nd Street, Willie Nelson Blvd). Austin City Limits Taping Giveaways are presented by AXS Events.

Winners will be chosen at random and a photo ID will be required to pick up tickets. Winners will be notified via email. Duplicate entries for a single taping will be automatically voided. Tickets are not transferable and will be voided if sold. Standing may be required. No photography, recording or cell phone use in the studio. No cameras, computers or recording devices allowed in the venue. While we do our best to accommodate all winners, we cannot guarantee admission. These passes are based on space available therefore you will be filling in spots available on the floor or balcony depending on the tickets that are available when you arrive. Read our helpful Know Before You Go guide for more information.

About Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile is an 11-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, producer, and performer, as well as an Oscar-nominated songwriter and two-time Emmy-winning composer, and was named one of Time magazine’s 2026 Women of the Year. Widely regarded as one of music’s most powerful and respected voices, she has released eight solo studio albums, including her 2025 release Returning To Myself, produced with Andrew Watt, Aaron Dessner, and Justin Vernon, which debuted in the Top Ten on the all-genre Billboard 200. Her 2026 Grammy-nominated collaboration with Elton John, Who Believes in Angels?, debuted at No. 1 in the U.K. and Top 10 in the U.S. A sought-after collaborator and producer, Carlile has contributed to Grammy-winning projects for Joni Mitchell, Brandy Clark and Tanya Tucker, and collaborated with artists including The Highwomen, Lucius, Alicia Keys, Hozier, Sam Smith, Noah Kahan, Jacob Collier, Pink, and Dolly Parton. A No. 1 New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Looking Out Foundation, she has raised more than $9 million for grassroots causes. Her global “The Human Tour” continues with dates across the U.S. and U.K./EU from August through October. She has headlined Austin City Limits three times, with standout appearances in 2010, 2018, and 2022.

About Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt is a 13-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose singular blend of blues, R&B, rock, and pop has defined a remarkable five-decade career. After establishing herself as a revered artist’s artist, she achieved global acclaim with her landmark albums Nick of Time and Luck of the Draw, featuring enduring classics including “Something to Talk About” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” A 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and 2024 Kennedy Center honoree, the slide guitar ace has been recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest guitarists and singers of all time. She remains a vital creative force— her 2022 album Just Like That… topped multiple Billboard charts and earned countless accolades, and three 2023 Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year. Raitt is as known for her lifelong commitment to social activism as she is for her music. She continues to tour extensively worldwide and raises funds for a variety of non-profit organizations at nearly every concert. A cherished member of the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, Raitt has graced the ACL stage across multiple decades, delivering performances that embody the spirit and soul of the series.

Tags Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Season 52

Hall of Fame Important Feature News

Austin City Limits Announces Newest Hall of Fame Inductee: Brandi Carlile

Post author By Lily Angelle
Post date May 6, 2026

Austin City Limits is proud to announce the newest inductee into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame: 11-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, producer and performer Brandi Carlile. The 12th Annual ACL Hall of Fame will honor Carlile with a celebratory induction and full-set taping on July 1, 2026.

Since its 10th Anniversary in 2024, the Hall of Fame has shifted to spotlight a singular artist each year with an in-depth tribute. Carlile now joins the ranks of the legendary artists who have shaped ACL’s enduring legacy. Tickets to the event will be distributed via a public giveaway; more information will be announced in advance. Fans are encouraged to follow @acltv on Instagram, Facebook and X for updates.

This special evening will feature music legend Bonnie Raitt, who will induct Carlile and perform in tribute. The Hall of Fame will take place at ACL’s studio home, ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, Texas. Performance and induction highlights from this evening will air as an hourlong broadcast during Season 52 of Austin City Limits, premiering this September on PBS, and will be available to stream online and via the PBS App.

“Being inducted into the ACL Hall of Fame by one of my absolute heroes — Bonnie Raitt — means everything to me,” shared Brandi Carlile. “I’m so grateful to have had such a deep and powerful connection to the city of Austin and Austin City Limits all these years — and I cannot wait to hit the Moody stage in July to celebrate this immense honor.”

“I’m thrilled to induct my friend Brandi into the ACL Hall of Fame,” says Bonnie Raitt. “She is truly one of our most respected and impactful artists. I admire her not only for her incredible music, but for standing up for the causes and artists she’s passionate about, all while balancing her wonderful family life. I can’t wait to get to perform together for this show that has meant so much to us both.”

Brandi Carlile, ACL TV Season 48 – Photo by Scott Newton

A trailblazing artist with deep roots at ACL, Brandi Carlile has delivered three standout appearances during her two-decade career. She made her debut in 2010 (Season 36), returned in 2018 for a Season 44 hour anchored by her landmark sixth studio album By the Way, I Forgive You, and headlined the Season 48 premiere in 2022 with highlights from her acclaimed seventh album In These Silent Days.

A frequent presence at the ACL Hall of Fame, Carlile notably handed induction honors for Sheryl Crow in 2022. She now returns to the ACL stage with new gems from Returning to Myself, her first solo album in four years, alongside a selection of career-spanning favorites.

Thirteen-time Grammy Award winner Bonnie Raitt made her ACL debut in 1984 during the first decade of the series in Season 9 and has appeared multiple times across the show’s five decade run. Inducted into the ACL Hall of Fame in 2016, Raitt returned in 2023 on the eve of the series’ 50th Anniversary milestone with a commanding Season 49 performance, showcasing highlights from across her storied career.

“When Brandi Carlile first stepped onto the ACL stage more than 15 years ago, it was immediately clear she possessed a rare and singular talent,” says ACL Executive Producer Terry Lickona. “The moment you hear her voice, you know exactly who it is. She will always have a home here at ACL, and now she takes her well-deserved place in the ACL Hall of Fame. Having Bonnie Raitt there to welcome her into the fold makes the occasion all the more special.”

Established in 2014, the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame honors artists who have played a defining role in the series’ half-century legacy, celebrating them with unforgettable, one-night-only tributes, carving their name into ACL history. Each induction pairs iconic performances with heartfelt salutes from peers and admirers—memorable moments have included Matthew McConaughey inducting Willie Nelson with Texas reverence and wit, Sean Penn honoring Lyle Lovett in a hilarious and deeply personal tribute, and Ethan Hawke saluting John Prine with poetic grace. Filmmaker Cameron Crowe welcomed My Morning Jacket into the fold, while Jason Isbell paid moving tribute to Lucinda Williams, and Eagles’ Don Henley honored Trisha Yearwood. Guitar great Jimmie Vaughan inducted Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples honored Bonnie Raitt and Chris Isaak saluted Roy Orbison. The Hall of Fame stage has also hosted once-in-a-lifetime performances, including Garth Brooks marathon, two hour masterclass set for his own induction; it has seen Willie Nelson take the stage with Buddy Guy in tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, and presented the Flatlanders as they reunited to celebrate Joe Ely. From all-star collaborations to singular moments of connection, the Hall of Fame has become a cornerstone of ACL’s story, capturing the freewheeling spirit, community, and musical excellence that define the series.

About Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile is an 11-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, producer and performer as well as an Oscar-nominated songwriter and two-time Emmy-winning composer, and was named one of Time magazine’s 2026 Women of the Year. Widely regarded as one of music’s most powerful and respected voices, she has released eight solo studio albums, including her 2025 release Returning To Myself, produced with Andrew Watt, Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon, which debuted in the Top Ten on the all-genre Billboard 200. Her 2026 Grammy-nominated collaboration with Elton John, Who Believes in Angels?, debuted at No. 1 in the U.K. and Top 10 in the U.S. A sought-after collaborator and producer, Carlile has contributed to Grammy-winning projects for Joni Mitchell, Brandy Clark and Tanya Tucker, and collaborated with artists including The Highwomen, Lucius, Alicia Keys, Hozier, Sam Smith, Noah Kahan, Jacob Collier, Pink and Dolly Parton. A No. 1 New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Looking Out Foundation, she has raised more than $9 million for grassroots causes. Her global “The Human Tour” continues with dates across the U.S. and U.K./EU from August through October. She has headlined Austin City Limits three times, with standout appearances in 2010, 2018 and 2022.

About Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt is a 13-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose singular blend of blues, R&B, rock and pop has defined a remarkable five-decade career. After establishing herself as a revered artist’s artist, she achieved global acclaim with her landmark albums Nick of Time and Luck of the Draw, featuring enduring classics including “Something to Talk About” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” A 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and 2024 Kennedy Center honoree, the slide guitar ace has been recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest guitarists and singers of all time. She remains a vital creative force— her 2022 album Just Like That… topped multiple Billboard charts, and earned countless accolades and three 2023 Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year. Raitt is as known for her lifelong commitment to social activism as she is for her music. She continues to tour extensively worldwide and raises funds for a variety of non-profit organizations at nearly every concert. A cherished member of the ACL Hall of Fame, Raitt has graced the ACL stage across multiple decades, delivering performances that embody the spirit and soul of the series.

Austin City Limits and the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame are produced by Austin PBS.

Austin City Limits:

A monument to music, Austin City Limits has showcased iconic performances from legends and innovators in every genre of popular song for a remarkable five decades. The series is the flagship of the popular Austin City Limits Music Festival and has earned countless accolades for its quality presentation of live music performances, including a Peabody Award, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame designation and it remains the only TV series awarded the National Medal of Arts. Austin City Limits writes the next chapter in its remarkable 50+ year broadcast run with the upcoming Season 52

Featured Hall of Fame

Cameron Crowe to Induct My Morning Jacket into Austin City Limits Hall of Fame

Post author By Lily Angelle
Post date July 16, 2025

Austin City Limits proudly announces that special guest Cameron Crowe will induct rock legends My Morning Jacket into the 2025 Austin City Limits Hall of Fame on Friday, August 1. The Oscar-winning filmmaker and best-selling author will be on hand to honor his friends as the American originals enter the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, joining the esteemed acts inducted since 2014.

In their return to the ACL stage for the first time in nearly a decade, My Morning Jacket will perform a full set taping for the occasion. In a new first, the show is open to all, and the Hall of Fame will not be a ticketed event. Fans will have the opportunity to win free passes to attend by signing up for a ticket giveaway on acltv.com beginning July 24 through July 29.

Cameron Crowe: “Thank you to Austin City Limits for the invitation to help honor My Morning Jacket. MMJ has the rarest kind of mastery. Their songs explode with passion and feeling on stage and in the studio. They’ve long been one of my favorite bands. I can’t wait for a chance to see them play again on the ACL stage.”

Jim James: “We are so excited to experience this ACL honor with the great Cameron Crowe! We have long loved his beautiful visions in the art of filmmaking, as well as his wisdom and humor in the world of music journalism. His art and friendship has enriched our lives so much over the years and we are so stoked to share the stage with him!”

One of America’s most iconic music journalists, Cameron Crowe helped define the job by becoming Rolling Stone’s youngest-ever contributor as a fifteen-year-old high school graduate. He went on to profile the likes of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Elton John, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and The Who at the heady height of the album-oriented rock era.

Crowe became an acclaimed filmmaker writing and/or directing some of the most beloved films of the past forty years, from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Say Anything… and Singles, to Jerry Maguire, Vanilla Sky and Almost Famous.

Crowe’s long-awaited memoir, The Uncool, will be published by Avid Reader Press, a division of Simon & Schuster, on October 28, 2025. Hamburgers for the Apocalypse: The Music Journalism of Cameron Crowe, a companion collection of the author’s essential interviews and newly conducted follow-up conversations, will be published in 2026.

The Induction and taping will take place at ACL’s studio home, ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. The hourlong broadcast episode will air as a season highlight of Austin City Limits‘ upcoming Season 51, premiering this October on PBS. The series recently celebrated its milestone 50th Anniversary in 2024 with a landmark campaign honoring its legacy and future. The live music beacon is a public media institution that continues to champion artistry, authenticity and music discovery.

ACL is thrilled to welcome My Morning Jacket into the ACL Hall of Fame and to showcase their latest sonic adventure, is. The Louisville, KY-bred five-piece recently released is, their first album in nearly four years, and their 10th studio album. My Morning Jacket has made a trio of fan-favorite appearances on Austin City Limits over their 25+ year career, with revelatory performances that have earned the band a place in the ACL canon. They made their series debut in Season 31 (2006) and returned within the course of a decade during Season 34 (2008) and Season 42 (2016). Bandleader Jim James also appeared during that period with Monsters of Folk (S36/2010), and as a guest of Bright Eyes (S30/2005) and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (S37/2011). Additionally, James also taped a solo appearance in 2013 for Season 39.

Since its inception in 2014, the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame has honored legendary artists who have played a pivotal role in the trailblazing music series’ remarkable half-century legacy as a music institution. The inaugural awards honored Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The Hall of Fame has inducted over twenty-five artists at ten previous ceremonies including Lloyd Maines, Asleep at the Wheel, Loretta Lynn, Guy Clark, Flaco Jiménez, Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Rosanne Cash, The Neville Brothers, Ray Charles, Marcia Ball, Los Lobos, Lyle Lovett, Buddy Guy, Shawn Colvin, Lucinda Williams, Wilco, Alejandro Escovedo, Sheryl Crow, Joe Ely, John Prine and Trisha Yearwood. The 10th Anniversary Hall of Fame welcomed Garth Brooks to its ranks.

Widely ranked among the greatest live bands of their generation, My Morning Jacket have long maintained their status as one of the most vital forces in American rock-and-roll. Known for their thrillingly expansive and eclectic sound, the five-piece – vocalist/guitarist Jim James, bassist Tom Blankenship, guitarist Carl Broemel, drummer Patrick Hallahan, keyboardist Bo Koster – has influenced an entire era of musicians, largely by staying one step ahead of mainstream pop culture and following their instincts toward endless innovation. For more than 25 years, My Morning Jacket has achieved an incredibly rare feat in the world of modern rock – upholding a long-established cultural legacy while sustaining all the curiosity and creative hunger of their earliest days.

Fans can enter a public giveaway to win free passes to be a part of the audience for this historic Hall of Fame taping. Visit us at acltv.com and follow @acltv on IG, Facebook and X for updates.

Austin City Limits and the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame are produced by Austin PBS. Austin PBS is a non-profit organization providing public television and educational resources to Central Texas as well as producing quality national programming.

Austin City Limits:

A monument to music, Austin City Limits is the longest-running music series in television history, providing viewers a front-row seat to the best in live performance for more than 50 years. On October 17, 1974, Willie Nelson taped the pilot episode and the trailblazing series premiered on PBS in 1975. The public media mainstay has showcased iconic performances from legends and innovators in every genre of popular song. The series is the flagship of the popular Austin City Limits Music Festival and has earned countless accolades for its quality presentation of live music performances, including a Peabody Award, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame designation and it remains the only TV series awarded the National Medal of Arts. Austin City Limits writes the next chapter in its remarkable 50+ year broadcast run with the upcoming Season 51.

Featured Hall of Fame Important Feature Taping Announcement Uncategorized

My Morning Jacket will join Austin City Limits Hall of Fame

Post author By emily
Post date June 11, 2025

Austin City Limits is proud to announce the 11th Annual Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, welcoming a new inductee into its ranks: My Morning Jacket. The ACL veterans and fan-favorites get their flowers, joining the other legendary acts who have been inducted over the past decade. My Morning Jacket will return to the ACL stage on Friday, August 1, 2025, for the first time in nearly a decade, and perform a full set taping for the occasion. The 10th Anniversary ACL Hall of Fame in 2024 marked the first time a single artist was honored with a deep-dive celebration and this year’s Hall of Fame will follow suit. In a new first, the event will be open to all, and the Hall of Fame will not be a ticketed event; instead fans will have the opportunity to win free passes to attend.

ACL is thrilled to welcome My Morning Jacket back to the stage for a victory dance with their induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame. The taping will take place at ACL’s studio home, ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. The hourlong broadcast episode will air as a season highlight of Austin City Limits’ upcoming Season 51, premiering this October on PBS. More information about the guest induction and the ticket giveaway will be announced prior to the event.

”We are so beyond honored to be included alongside so many of our heroes and favorite legends in the ACL Hall of Fame!” said My Morning Jacket’s Jim James. “We can’t wait to hit that sacred ACL stage again on August 1st and celebrate this great honor with our beautiful fans.”

My Morning Jacket has made a trio of appearances on the series over their 25+ year career, with revelatory performances that have earned the band a place in the ACL canon. They made their series debut in Season 31 (2006) and returned within the course of a decade during Season 34 (2008) and Season 42 (2016). Bandleader Jim James also appeared during that period with Monsters of Folk (S36/2010), and as a guest of Bright Eyes (S30/2005) and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (S37/2011). Additionally, James also taped a solo appearance in 2013 for Season 39.

Widely ranked among the greatest live bands of their generation, My Morning Jacket have long maintained their status as one of the most vital forces in American rock-and-roll. Known for their thrillingly expansive and eclectic sound, the Louisville, KY-bred five-piece – vocalist/guitarist Jim James, bassist Tom Blankenship, guitarist Carl Broemel, drummer Patrick Hallahan, keyboardist Bo Koster – has influenced an entire era of musicians, largely by staying one step ahead of mainstream pop culture and following their instincts toward endless innovation. For more than 25 years, My Morning Jacket has achieved an incredibly rare feat in the world of modern rock – upholding a long-established cultural legacy while sustaining all the curiosity and creative hunger of their earliest days.

“My Morning Jacket’s debut in 2006 was on the heels of their breakthrough album ‘Z,’ and they shook the rafters in ole Studio 6A,” says ACL executive producer Terry Lickona. “Few acts can compare to their ability to take command of the stage – so much so that they appeared three times in ten years! Austin City Limits is proud to welcome them to our Hall of Fame, and I have a feeling the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is next!”

ACL is thrilled to welcome My Morning Jacket into the ACL Hall of Fame and to showcase their latest sonic adventure, is. The band recently released is, their first album in nearly four years, and their 10th studio album; the result is perhaps the most masterfully realized work yet from a band fully committed to their belief in music as a conduit for revelation of all kinds. is finds MMJ deviating from their typically self-produced approach by teaming up with 3x Grammy-winner Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen), and represents a newfound willingness to expand the creative process and involve an outside force in shaping MMJ’s restlessly inventive yet nuanced form of psych-rock. New songs such as the sprawling, album-opening epic, “Out In The Open,” the ravishing love song “Time Waited,” (which soared to #1 on AAA radio), and the delightfully warped “Squid Ink” reveal a band whose voracious creative appetite is wholly matched by a deft command of their visionary musicality.

“All these songs came into existence out of an attempt to connect with something beyond the human experiment, which for me is the whole purpose of music – that connection with something larger than us, yet something we are all equally a part of,” says Jim James. is represents another milestone in the band’s ever-evolving body of work, as well as an opportunity to breathe new energy into their historically stunning and hard-driving live performances. James points to the “undeniable force of loving” as the most essential factor in the band’s longevity and unending enchantment with the process of musical creation.

Hall of Fame Important Feature New Broadcast News Uncategorized

Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Honors Garth Brooks premieres May 3

Post author By emily
Post date April 10, 2025

Austin City Limits caps off its 50th Anniversary celebrations with the broadcast premiere of Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Honors Garth Brooks Saturday, May 3 @8pm ET/7pm CT (check local listings). After the broadcast, the special will be available to music fans everywhere to stream online at pbs.org/austincitylimits for four weeks.

The Country music singer and songwriter brings a stadium-size show to the ACL stage for this landmark occasion, thrilling with fan-favorites and the stories behind his beloved hits in an entertaining, singalong hour recorded live at ACL’s studio home ACL Live in Austin, Texas. 2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of Austin City Limits, which premiered on PBS in 1975. The program celebrates its extraordinary run as the longest-running music series in television history, providing viewers a front-row seat to the best in live performance for a half-century.

A trailblazing artist whose ties to ACL go a long way back, Garth Brooks made his series debut in 1990 during Season 15, on the heels of his breakout 1989 debut album. The hour opens with highlights showcasing Brooks’ distinctive ACL performances over the decades; sprinkled throughout the special is new commentary from Brooks, his wife, country superstar Trisha Yearwood, and longtime ACL executive producer Terry Lickona, who handles induction honors. Brooks holds his cowboy hat to his heart as he accepts the honor with impassioned remarks and sings the program’s praises, saying Austin City Limits’ heartbeat is raw and true. He even cites favorite episodes that inspired his own career from early on. “You can bring all the smoke and mirrors you want, and trust me—I’ve used ‘em all,” laughs Brooks, “but you come here and it’s the real deal.”

“Always try to associate your name with a name greater than your own,” says Brooks. “Being associated with ACL has been one of the greatest assets of my career. I can’t thank Terry and the gang enough for all the years and all the love.”

“You can’t tell the story of Austin City Limits without Garth Brooks,” says ACL executive producer Terry Lickona. “Garth gets it. He gets what makes Austin City Limits special, and why it’s an honor for an artist to step onto that stage and deliver the best performance of their life. And it’s an honor for us to share that stage with artists like Garth, who have so much to offer.”

Since its inception in 2014, the ACL Hall of Fame has honored legendary artists who have played a pivotal role in the pioneering music series’ outstanding half-century as a music institution. The inaugural awards in 2014 honored Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Garth Brooks has multiple Austin City Limits performances under his belt; he made his series debut in 1990 and returned a decade later to both open and close ACL’s milestone Season 25 with two hourlong episodes.

Brooks returned to ACL in 2021 for a memorable pair of intimate, non-broadcast events to close Studio 6A on the University of Texas campus, the fabled soundstage where the program first started recording in 1974. Brooks carved his name into ACL’s history with the final performances in the historic studio that was the show’s home from 1974 to 2010, before a move to downtown Austin. The singular artist performed the special benefit shows solo acoustic to a sold-out audience of 200 fans per night.

The Austin City Limits Hall of Fame has inducted over twenty artists at nine previous ceremonies including Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Lloyd Maines, Asleep at the Wheel, Loretta Lynn, Guy Clark, Flaco Jiménez, Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Rosanne Cash, The Neville Brothers, Ray Charles, Marcia Ball, Los Lobos, Lyle Lovett, Buddy Guy, Shawn Colvin, Lucinda Williams, Wilco, Alejandro Escovedo, Sheryl Crow and Joe Ely. The ninth annual Hall of Fame in 2023 welcomed John Prine and Trisha Yearwood to its ranks.

Tags Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, TV broadcast