Ep 1. 2015 Hall of Fame Special
- October 3, 2015
Austin City Limits season 41 episode 1 titled "2015 Hall of Fame Special" is a tribute episode dedicated to the iconic artists who have contributed to the history of American music. The artists that will be honored are recognized for their musical contributions and are deeply rooted in blues, country, rock, and folk music.
The episode begins with a moving tribute to blues legend B.B. King, who passed away in May 2015. The tribute features a heartfelt performance by Gary Clark Jr., who belts out King's "The Thrill is Gone" with impeccable technical finesse, capturing the soulful essence of King's signature sound. The segment is accompanied by memorable photographs of King's life and performances, and it sets the tone for the rest of the show.
Next, Bonnie Raitt takes the stage to perform "Gypsy in Me," a song off her latest album Dig in Deep that showcases her virtuosity on the slide guitar. Raitt's blues-infused vocals and mesmerizing guitar play bring an intensity and authenticity that is uniquely her own, and her performance is both artful and heartfelt.
The episode shifts into country territory with a performance from Dwight Yoakam, who delivers a high-energy rendition of his hit song "Guitars, Cadillacs." The song, which is a staple of Yoakam's live performances, is a nostalgic throwback to the traditional honky-tonk sound that Yoakam grew up listening to, and he infuses the performance with a brisk tempo and a twangy, catchy melody.
The next performance is a rare treat: Elvis Costello and the Imposters performing "The River in Reverse," a song that Costello wrote with legendary New Orleans musician Allen Toussaint. The song is a tribute to the resilience of the city in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and Costello and his band do it justice with a soulful, funk-infused performance that captures the spirit of Toussaint's music.
The Dixie Chicks take the stage next with a powerful performance of "Not Ready to Make Nice." The song, which won multiple Grammys in 2007, was written in response to the backlash the band faced after speaking out against the war in Iraq. The performance is raw and emotional, with lead singer Natalie Maines' soaring vocals and the band's rockin' instrumentation underscoring the intensity of the lyrics.
The final performance of the night brings out the entire cast of artists – B.B. King's grandson and blues artist Eric Gales, rock singer Gary Clark Jr., country star Dwight Yoakam, and blues goddess Bonnie Raitt – for a rousing rendition of "The Thrill is Gone." The performance is a fitting tribute to King and a testament to the power of music to unite people across genres and generations.
Overall, Austin City Limits' 2015 Hall of Fame Special is a moving tribute to the power and diversity of American music, honoring the artists who have shaped the sound of our culture and inspired generations of musicians. The episode is a must-watch for fans of blues, country, rock, and folk music, and it captures the essence of what makes Austin City Limits such an enduring and beloved institution in the world of music.
