Austin City Limits Season 45 Episode 3 Steve Earle & The Dukes: A Tribute to Guy Clark

In episode 3 of season 45 of Austin City Limits, the show pays tribute to the late folk songwriter, Guy Clark, with Steve Earle & The Dukes.

Steve Earle, a legendary singer-songwriter and a longtime friend of Clark, revisits his catalog of iconic songs and performs them in a way that honors the late musician. Earle is accompanied by The Dukes, his band, in this moving and heartfelt tribute.

Earle opens the show with "Dublin Blues," a song that he co-wrote with Clark and which was the title track of Clark's 1995 album. The song captures the essence of Clark's poetic and bittersweet songwriting, which was deeply rooted in his Texas upbringing.

Throughout the show, Earle and The Dukes perform many of Clark's classic songs, including "Desperados Waiting for a Train," "The Randall Knife," and "L.A. Freeway." The band's arrangements of the songs are stripped-down and raw, allowing Earle's voice to shine and the lyrics to come to the forefront.

Along with Clark's songs, Earle also performs some of his own material, including "Copperhead Road" and "Guitar Town." These songs showcase Earle's unique blend of country, rock, and folk music, which was heavily influenced by Clark's style.

In addition to the musical performances, the show also includes interviews with Earle and other musicians who knew or were inspired by Clark. They share stories about Clark's life and legacy, and how his music has impacted their own careers.

The tribute to Guy Clark is a fitting way to honor the songwriter's contributions to the American music canon. Clark's songs were deeply personal, yet universal in their themes of love, loss, and the human experience. With Steve Earle & The Dukes, Austin City Limits captures the spirit of Clark's work and offers a powerful reminder of his enduring influence on the music world.

Overall, episode 3 of season 45 of Austin City Limits is a moving and memorable tribute to Guy Clark, featuring top-notch performances and heartfelt tributes from Earle and others who knew and loved the songwriter. It's a must-see for fans of Clark, Earle, and American folk music in general.