Austin City Limits Season 33 Episode 4 Tribute to Bluesman Jimmy Reed

Tribute to Bluesman Jimmy Reed is the fourth episode of the 33rd season of Austin City Limits, a beloved American television show that has been showcasing the best in music since it first aired in 1974. This particular episode pays homage to a true blues legend, Jimmy Reed, who was a significant influence on many of the artists who have graced the Austin City Limits stage over the years.

Jimmy Reed was born in Mississippi in 1925 and began playing the guitar and harmonica in his teenage years. He moved to Chicago in the mid-1940s and established himself as a popular performer in the city's blues clubs. Reed's distinctive style, which included his signature use of a simple but effective "boogie" rhythm, earned him numerous hits on the Billboard R&B charts during the 1950s and 60s. His songs, such as "Bright Lights, Big City" and "Baby What You Want Me to Do," became classics of the blues genre and were covered by countless other artists.

The Tribute to Bluesman Jimmy Reed episode of Austin City Limits features performances by a variety of musicians, some of whom knew Reed personally and have been directly influenced by his work. Among the performers are blues guitarist and singer Jimmie Vaughan, who was a close friend of Reed's and has described him as a major inspiration; harmonica player Kim Wilson, who is known for his work with the band The Fabulous Thunderbirds and has cited Reed as one of his musical heroes; and blues-rock veterans The Rolling Stones, who covered several of Reed's songs early on in their career.

The episode begins with a solo performance by Jimmie Vaughan, who plays Reed's hit "Bright Lights, Big City" on guitar. The simple but powerful riff immediately gets the crowd excited, and Vaughan's vocals are just as soulful and bluesy as Reed's original rendition. Next up is Kim Wilson, who is joined by the backing band The Holmes Brothers for a lively version of Reed's "Big Boss Man." Wilson's harmonica playing is incredible, and the energy of the song is infectious.

The Rolling Stones take the stage next, and their performance of "Shame, Shame, Shame" is a real treat for fans. The band's take on the song is infused with their own rock-and-roll sensibilities, but they stay true to the original spirit of Reed's blues. Mick Jagger's vocals are on point, and Keith Richards' guitar playing is as dynamic as ever. The crowd cheers as the Stones finish the song, clearly impressed by the band's passion for the blues.

Other highlights of the episode include a powerful performance of "Baby What You Want Me to Do" by blues singer and guitarist Gary Clark Jr., who brings his own intense energy to the song; a soulful version of "Honest I Do" by R&B singer Irma Thomas, who infuses the song with her own unique style; and a fun and funky rendition of "Good Lover" by blues singer and guitarist Valerie June. The episode closes with a stirring version of "Going to New York" by blues guitarist and singer Rick Estrin, who is accompanied by the backing band The Nightcats.

Overall, Tribute to Bluesman Jimmy Reed is an excellent episode of Austin City Limits that showcases some of the best blues performers in the business paying homage to one of the genre's true legends. The energy and passion of the musicians is palpable, and the songs themselves are timeless classics that continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether you're a longtime fan of Jimmy Reed's music or a casual listener of the blues, this episode is definitely worth a watch.