By: Arlene R. Weiss
“Austin City Limits” has lovingly embraced every style of music and likewise opened its arms to an array of legends and stylists; the great Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Alison Krauss, and so many more. It has earned a world-class, legendary reputation for showcasing, above all, a monumental who’s who of guitar greats. The program has introduced and showcased a dazzling constellation of stars whose measure has more than placed them as glittering fixtures among the firmament. From rising unknowns receiving their first due and exposure to seasoned veterans, from international stars to influential mentors, the show has meant a lot to a great deal of artists, and they don’t hesitate to say so.
Buddy Guy Photo: Jesse Mazzoccoli
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“Austin City Limits” has meant a great deal to both Vaughan brothers. It is wonderful to see a quality, live music, TV show spotlighting Blues, Country, and Jazz in this age of video programs and MTV. I feel privileged, and I always get excited to be a part of the show. I hope to do many more.”
– Jimmie Vaughan
“While I have very happy memories of all of my appearances on “Austin City Limits,” the best was being able to perform with many of my good friends for the “A Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan.” When I can share a stage with B.B., Eric, Bonnie, Robert, Dr. John, Aaron, Jimmie, and all the others, that is special.”
– Buddy Guy
“It wouldn’t be Texas without “Austin City Limits”!”
– B.B. King
“Stevie Ray was thrilled to be asked to perform on “Austin City Limits.” It’s a wonderful show for promoting American music, and of course, that was when monumental things started to happen for Stevie and he became an international star.”
– Chesley P. Millikin – Reflecting on Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 1983 “Austin City Limits” performance, at which time, he was Stevie Ray’s Manager.
“Austin City Limits is one of the greatest things ever to come out of the State of Texas . It has helped expose a lot of people to real American roots music. My first appearance in 1976, reintroduced me to American audiences after a lull in my career. That appearance on “Austin City Limits” led to a booking at the National Folk Life Festival in Washington, D.C., which led to a State Department tour of eight countries in Northeast Africa . It has been nonstop ever since!”
– Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown
“It was an honor to be a part of “Austin City Limits” and follow in the footsteps of some of my influences and heroes.”
– Doyle Bramhall II
“Austin City Limits” has always been a program that I love to watch and I have always wanted to be a part of. The music is American and the audience is right there with you. You can’t beat it!”
– Robert Cray
“I never imagined I could be a part of an institution that has featured many of my inspirations. Performing on “Austin City Limits” has been one of the biggest thrills in my career.”
– Jonny Lang
“My first appearance on “Austin City Limits” was one of the turning points in my career that was greatly appreciated. I have always held the show in high regard, and I am always excited to be a part of it. Terry Lickona, Jeff Peterson, Susan Caldwell, and the whole crew are highly professional and easy to work with.”
– Eric Johnson
“The first time that I ever watched “Austin City Limits”, Stevie Ray Vaughan was the guest. So for me, it was a great honor to be invited to perform on the show. I had a wonderful time, with wonderful people. I believe that “Austin City Limits” turned a lot of people on to my music that would not have otherwise found it.”
– Susan Tedeschi
“As far as “Austin City Limits”, I’ve done….I’ve lost count. I think it’s 16 or 17 shows. As far as being on the show, to me, they’ve set the standard for live music taping. They always have good sound. They’ve always got great camera shots. It’s the pinnacle of TV shows that bands and artists strive for. Terry Lickona has always maintained a great staff. My first show was with Joe Ely around 1977. And some of the same staff members, the same camera people are still there today. So when you’ve got people that have been around that long, you know it’s something good, that it’s a quality production. From a musician’s standpoint, they go above and beyond the call of duty to make you feel comfortable. It’s a real no pressure show. Everything about it is first class, and they have always treated the artists in a very comfortable manner. You know that when you are on that show, you have definitely made it as far as TV shows. They’ve set the standard for other live music shows to follow. From a guitar player’s standpoint, it’s the show to do.”
– Lloyd Maines
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© Copyright June 19, 2011 by Arlene R. Weiss-All Rights Reserved
