Austin City Limits Season 5 Episode 6 Joe Ely followed by Jerry Jeff Walker

This episode of Austin City Limits showcases the talents of two beloved Texas singer-songwriters: Joe Ely and Jerry Jeff Walker. Opening the show is Joe Ely, who brings his signature blend of country, rock, and Tex-Mex to the ACL stage. Ely, who got his start in Lubbock's music scene alongside fellow Texans Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, shows off his virtuosic guitar skills and raspy vocals as he performs songs from his latest album, Honky Tonk Masquerade. Highlights include the foot-stomping "Gallo del Cielo" and the haunting ballad "Because of the Wind."

Following Ely's energetic set is the mellow and introspective Jerry Jeff Walker. Best known for his hit song "Mr. Bojangles," Walker takes a more laid-back approach as he sings songs from his 1973 album Viva Terlingua!, which was recorded live in Luckenbach, Texas. Walker's warm voice and poetic lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time and place, and his easygoing banter with the audience makes his performance feel intimate and personal. Highlights include the bittersweet "London Homesick Blues" and the reflective "Wheel."

Throughout the episode, the artists' love for their home state of Texas shines through. Ely's music is infused with the sounds and stories of the rural West Texas landscape, while Walker's songs pay tribute to the people and places that make Texas unique. It's a fitting tribute to the state that gave birth to the outlaw country movement and continues to inspire musicians from all genres.

As always, the stage of Austin City Limits provides the perfect backdrop for these two Texas troubadours. The iconic skyline of downtown Austin sets the scene, while the intimate setting of the show's studio allows the artists and audience to connect on a deeper level. With its mix of classic and contemporary musicians, Austin City Limits continues to be a must-watch for music fans of all ages and tastes.