Austin City Limits is an American live music television program recorded and produced by Austin PBS . The show helped Austin become widely known in the United States as the "Live Music Capital of the World", and is the only television show to receive the National Medal of Arts , which it was awarded in 2003. It also won a rare institutional Peabody Award in 2011 "for its more than three decades of presenting and preserving eclectic American musical genres". Austin City Limits is produced by Austin PBS under the Capital of Texas Public Telecommunications Council. The show was created in 1974 by Bill Arhos, Bruce Scafe, and Paul Bosner.
113-689: Beginning in Season 15 (1990), Austin City Limits began broadcasting in Dolby Surround , and continued until season 24 (1999). From 1976 to 2004 (seasons 1–29), the show was broadcast in NTSC . From 2004 to 2007 (seasons 30–32), the show was broadcast in HDTV 720p . Beginning in season 33 (2007–2008), the show began broadcasting in widescreen 1080i . Each episode of "Austin City Limits" begins with
226-489: A band-pass filter (cutting frequencies under 100 Hz and above 7 kHz), passes through Dolby B noise reduction and is encoded on the left and right channels with opposite polarity (this is achieved by applying a +90-degree phase shift to the left channel and a −90-degree phase shift to the right channel). The surround channel was often used for ambient background sounds in the original recording, music scores and effects. A Dolby Pro Logic decoder/processor "unfolds"
339-541: A "Songwriters Special" that showcased performances by some of the most talented songwriters of the time. The first episode featured Willie Nelson, Floyd Tillman, Hank Cochran, Red Lane, Whitey Shafer, Sonny Throckmorton, and Ray Price. Buddy Emmons' 1976 recording of "Deep in the Heart of Texas" plays during the opening credits of Austin City Limits. The credits feature scenes of the Austin City Limits staff driving
452-663: A "Women in Song" special. The Manhattan Transfer performs a full hour of New York style music on the Austin City Limits stage during the 23rd season in 1998. Special guests Ricky Skaggs and Asleep at the Wheel join The Manhattan Transfer on stage. In 1998, "Austin City Limits" won the W.C. Handy "Keeping the Blues Alive" award. The award is given to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to
565-491: A 10-episode "workplace docu-comedy". Trinity 911 was later renamed Big Texas Heat and was removed from the schedule after airing four episodes. On June 10, 2016, CMT announced that they would pick up the ABC series Nashville following its cancellation. The network would order a fifth season of 22 episodes. In 2017, as part of Viacom's restructuring plans, CMT would begin a transition back to unscripted programming. As
678-548: A 1981 Austin City Limits performance by Monroe from Season 6, and a 1986 Austin City Limits "Legends of Bluegrass" performance from Season 11 by Monroe and a group of bluegrass legends, including Ralph Stanley, Jim & Jesse, and Mac Wiseman. Austin City Limits Season 22 included "A Tribute to Walter Hyatt," who was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 1997. The tribute was performed by Lyle Lovett and
791-503: A DVD titled Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years was released. "Austin City Limits" was born when Paul Bosner came up with the idea for a live music show while driving back to Dallas, Texas, and seeing an Austin City Limits highway sign. Paul Bosner, who received a call at San Antonio and Austin, Texas PBS station KLRN, was urged to put a live music program on the air. Bosner agreed, and the station went on to produce
904-467: A Texas Music Showcase. Robert Earl Keen Jr., now known as Robert Earl Keen, was among the performers, as were Rosie Flores, Tony Perez, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Season 14 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1989, was the last season to use the 1984-1989 PBS logo featuring the "Split Profile." The logo had been in use since Season 10 in 1985. In 1989, PBS aired a special "Great Moments from Austin City Limits" during Season 14 of Austin City Limits. The special
1017-415: A book phone offer was shown for this season only to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Austin City Limits. The companion book, "Austin City Limits 25 Years of American Music," features photographs of performers from the first 24 seasons of "Austin City Limits" from 1976 to 1999, along with the history of the show and behind-the-scenes stories. During this season, Austin City Limits creator and founder Bill Arhos
1130-580: A channel focused on Western genre movies (CMT Westerns) and a channel dedicated to Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team . In October 2021, CMT picked up the second season of The Last Cowboy —a reality series by Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan . The program had moved from Paramount Network following abandoned plans to relaunch the outlet as a movie network. CMT's current programming consists largely of acquired sitcoms and movies. The channel's daily country music programming consists of
1243-465: A five-hour music video block, seen during the early morning hours, as well as CMT Hot Twenty , which airs on weekend mornings. Of Paramount's former music channels (not counting its suite of all-music digital channels), CMT has historically been the most devoted to music-related programming and previously set aside at least six hours of its daily schedule for music videos during the overnight and morning hours. In addition, most of CMT's original programming
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#17327725383991356-650: A group of other artists, including David Ball, Champ Hood, Willis Alan Ramsey, Marcia Ball, Shawn Colvin, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Junior Brown, David Halley, and Allison Moorer. In 1997, during Season 22, Austin City Limits aired a special called "Legends of Country Music." The special was hosted by Pam Tillis. In 1997, Season 22 of "Austin City Limits" featured a "Best of Austin Country Showcase." The showcase included performances by Libbi Bosworth, Dale Watson, The Derailers, Wayne Hancock, Don Walser, and Mary Cutrufello. Season 22 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1997,
1469-473: A leased HD Radio subchannel of KGSR (93.3-HD2). The playlist is eclectic and representative of the television show's history. In 1981, during Season 6, "Austin City Limits" became the highest-rated live music show on PBS. That same year, the show began syndicating to local stations under the moniker "Austin City Limits Encore." In 2016, MTV Live (formerly Palladia HD) acquired the rights to rerun
1582-463: A live music program?" Bill Arhos then asked, "Why did you call this show Austin City Limits?". The pilot episode of "Austin City Limits" was taped on October 17, 1974, at KLRN in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. Willie Nelson was the featured performer. The episode aired on March 22, 1975, on 34 PBS stations nationwide. The Austin City Limits staff built the set and set up the shoot. They then invited
1695-620: A mode designed specifically for video games which is used in games for PlayStation 2 , GameCube , and Wii as an alternative to digital surround formats such as Dolby Digital or DTS . Game mode is similar to Movie mode, except it redirects more bass to the LFE channel. The Dolby Pro Logic IIx system, available since 2003, can take two-channel stereo, Dolby Surround (sometimes called Dolby Stereo Surround) and Dolby Digital 5.1 source material and up-convert it to 6.1 or 7.1 channel surround sound . Dolby Pro Logic IIz expands on Pro Logic IIx with
1808-534: A new location, ACL Live at the Moody Theater, which replaced Studio 6A, which had been the show's home for Seasons 1-36 (1976-2011). Austin City Limits introduced new opening theme music, "An Introduction" by Explosions in the Sky, at the start of this season. The theme was used through Season 39 (2013-2014). Season 37 also aired a classic encore from Season 4 in 1979, a Tom Waits performance. This encore aired during
1921-453: A preview of the artist read by executive producer Terry Lickona. This leads into an opening credit sequence. After the credits, Lickona would introduce the artist. During the performance, the camera was usually positioned to allow for a variety of closeup shots. This enabled the viewer to see the musicians' hands, facial expressions, and instrument fingering. After the performance, there was an interview segment. After that, Lickona would introduce
2034-512: A prime network among those in Paramount Global's suite. CMT Music has generally been depreciated by Paramount Global in current retransmission consent negotiations with cable and streaming providers for other options; such as Pluto TV , which provides several CMT and Vevo -branded country music channels. in 2021, Spectrum removed it from their current-day packages, with only grandfathered subscribers with older packages able to view
2147-533: A replay of B.B. King's performance from Season 8 in 1983. King's performance was a highlight of that season, and his appearance on the show is considered by many to be one of his best. Season 19 of "Austin City Limits" aired on PBS in 1994. It was the first season without any "Austin City Limits Classic" encores, but it did feature a retrospective special called "Merle Haggard in Concert." The special
2260-610: A result, Nashville' s sixth season would also be its last. As part of its shift back to unscripted programming, CMT announced Music City in September 2017, a reality series created by Adam DiVello of The Hills and Laguna Beach fame. Set in Nashville, the show features Bryant Lowry, a drummer in the Nashville pop band Jet Black Alley Cat. The series premiered on March 1, 2018. In 2019, Viacom acquired Pluto TV , and launched several CMT-branded channels, including
2373-506: A result, offers an exceptionally stable sound field that simulates five-channel surround sound. Because of the limited nature of the original Dolby Pro Logic encoding, many consumer electronics manufacturers introduced their own processing circuitry, such as the "Jazz", "Hall", and "Stadium" modes found on most common home audio receivers. DPL II forgoes this type of processing and replaces it with simple servo ( negative feedback ) circuits used to derive five channels. The extra channel content
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#17327725383992486-442: A significant change for the show. It broadened its scope to include musical styles other than Texas country artists. This change was prompted by a change in producers, with Terry Lickona taking over as producer, and later executive producer. Additionally, the partnership with KLRN in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, was dissolved. During this season, the set featured red and blue lights designed by Robert Sertner. The audience could darken
2599-540: A spinoff series called "The Texas Connection." "The Texas Connection" aired on TNN from 1990 to 1994. Season 16 of Austin City Limits aired in 1991, which was the show's 15th anniversary. For this season, the show was broadcast in both the United States and Canada. That same year, "Austin City Limits" began broadcasting internationally in different countries around the world. Some of the countries that broadcast "Austin City Limits" include Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia,
2712-444: A truck through Texas landscapes. At the end of the credits, the Austin City Limits sign appears. Allan Muir took over as the new director of "Austin City Limits" during Season 5 in 1980. He broadened the scope of the show to include different styles of music. Some of the artists who appeared during his tenure include Roy Clark, Gatemouth Brown, Don Williams, Joe Ely, and Marty Robbins. Season 6 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1981,
2825-520: Is an American pay TV network that launched on March 5, 1983. It is currently owned by Paramount Global through its MTV Entertainment Group division. CMT was the first nationally available channel devoted to country music and country music videos , with its programming also including concerts, specials, and biographies of country music stars. Over time, the network's programming expanded to incorporate original lifestyle and reality programming, and acquired sitcoms. As of December 2023 , CMT
2938-696: Is available to approximately 56,000,000 pay television households in the United States; down from its 2011 peak of 93,000,000 households. The channel's headquarters are located in One Astor Plaza in New York City, and has additional offices in Nashville , Tennessee . CMTV , an initialism for Country Music Television, was founded by Glenn D. Daniels, the owner of Video World Productions in Hendersonville, Tennessee . Daniels put together
3051-477: Is centered on, or related to, the Culture of Dallas or Nashville, Tennessee , where the network's studios are located. CMT's music mix is primarily focused on mainstream hit country songs, but also includes occasional videos from crossover, Americana , and alternative acts (dubbed "CMT Edge"). Specials seen on the network include the annual CMT Music Awards (with an "extended version" airing since 2022, when
3164-424: Is extracted using the difference between the spatial audio content between two individual channels of stereo tracks or Dolby Digital encoded 5.1 channel tracks and outputs it appropriately. In addition to five full-range playback channels, Pro Logic II introduced a Music mode that includes optimized channel delays and adds user controls to—for example—adjust apparent sound stage width. Pro Logic II systems also have
3277-423: Is the full name that refers to the matrix surround format and decoding system in one. When a Dolby Surround soundtrack is created in post-production ( Dolby MP Matrix ), four channels of sound are matrix-encoded into an ordinary stereo (two-channel) soundtrack. The center channel is reduced in level by 3 dB and summed to the left and right channels; the surround channel is attenuated by 3 dB, passes through
3390-412: Is unaffected by the operation of the channel steering. Additionally, the response time of the system to changes in sound direction is important as too fast a response results in a twitchy feel, while too slow a response leaves sounds coming from an inappropriate direction. In addition to 5 dB of noise reduction, the surround channel is slightly delayed, so that any front channel sounds that leak into
3503-422: The Dolby Surround terminology in 2014. The term now refers to a new upmixer whose purpose is to enable Dolby Atmos receivers and speaker configurations to serve non-Atmos signals. Dolby Surround is a complete replacement for Pro Logic that upmixes stereo and multi-channel inputs to play over Atmos configurations. CMT (American TV channel) CMT (originally standing for Country Music Television )
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3616-573: The MTV Networks . TNN would phase out country programming to avoid overlap with CMT, changing its full name to "The National Network". In-spite of the decrease in music programming, in part due to the rise of internet -based platforms in the 2000s, CMT would experience significant ratings gains in the years' since its acquisition. By 2007, the channel was available in more than 83 million homes. On April 4, 2012, CMT announced its first adult animated series, Bounty Hunters ; and Trinity 911 ,
3729-831: The Netherlands , and Japan . In 1976, Joe Gracey served as the talent consultant for the first season of Austin City Limits. He was responsible for booking the musical acts that appeared on the show. In 1979, during season 4, Terry Lickona joined the program as a producer. He was later promoted to executive producer. Bruce Scafe was the first director of "Austin City Limits." He directed the show's first two seasons in 1976 and 1977. In Season 3 (1978), Charles Vaughn took over as producer-director, while Bill Arhos and Howard Chalmers were executive producers. Clark Santee took over as director of Austin City Limits in Season 4, which aired in 1979. Allan Muir took over as director of Austin City Limits in Season 5 (1980). He remained in that role until
3842-689: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland , Ohio , announced that nearly 40 years of Austin City Limits footage would be digitally archived "in perpetuity" at the Museum's new Library and Archives; recordings from more than 800 live performances will be made available to the public.On September 9, 2018, Austin City Limits Radio was launched in Austin at 97.1 FM. The station broadcasts on
3955-694: The Sky Multichannels package. In July 1995, CMT launched its Brazilian version in association with Grupo Abril 's TVA . By 1998, Gaylord reported $ 10 million in losses from CMT Europe and decided to cease broadcasting the network on March 31, 1998. Gaylord had planned to emulate the successful model created by E! , by selling large programming blocks to other European channels, but these plans never occurred. On October 1, 1994, CMT made its first major format change by adding several new music-oriented programs. In 1995, CMT dropped all videos by Canadian artists without U.S. record contracts in response to
4068-587: The "Austin City Limits" classic encores. He introduced the performers, and his segments were a nice addition to the show. Season 26 of "Austin City Limits" was the last season to use the classic encores that had been a staple of the show since Season 18 in 1993. The encores were a popular feature that allowed viewers to see favorite performances again. Season 26 of "Austin City Limits" includes replays of several classic encore performances. These include A Celebration of Townes Van Zandt from Season 23 in 1998; Tom Waits from Season 4 in 1979; Fats Domino from Season 12 in 1987;
4181-516: The "Live from Austin, TX" series. The series includes a wide variety of musical genres, and the performances are always top-notch. If you're a fan of live music, this series is a must-have. Full episodes of Austin City Limits can be viewed online at the show's official website. There is also an Austin City Limits store where you can buy merchandise. at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport . On June 21, 2012,
4294-466: The "longest running music show in the history of American television." Starting in Season 37 (2011-2012), Austin City Limits moved from Studio 6A to Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin's Block 21 . The Moody Theater is a state-of-the-art venue that hosts a variety of performances and events. On December 2, 2014, in celebration of Austin City Limits' 40th season,
4407-619: The 2002-2003 season, was the first season to use the 2002–2010 PBS "Be More" logo. This logo remained in use until Season 34 (2008-2009). Also during this season, we started our annual Austin City Limits Music Festival. During this season, "Austin City Limits" aired "By the Hand of the Father," which featured music by Alejandro Escovedo, Pete Escovedo, Rosie Flores, and Ruben Ramos. Season 29 of "Austin City Limits" aired during
4520-427: The 2003-2004 season. This season was the last to use the show's theme song, "London Homesick Blues" by Gary P. Nunn, which had been used since Season 2 in 1977. It was also the last season to broadcast in 480i NTSC, which "Austin City Limits" had done since the pilot episode in 1974, and Season 1 in 1976. This is the last season to use the Austin City Limits logo featuring a musical note and flames, which had been done all
4633-409: The 2009-2010 season, was the first season to use the 2009-2022 PBS "Be More II" logo. That logo remained in use until Season 44 (2018-2019). The Austin City Limits logo was modified to celebrate its 35th anniversary. A number 35 was placed behind the logo, and "35 years" was placed below. Season 36 of "Austin City Limits" was the last season to be taped at its original home at Studio 6A before moving to
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4746-553: The Capital of Texas Public Telecommunications Council, KLRU, took over production of the show. KLRU continued producing Austin City Limits until Season 44 (2018-2019), when the station rebranded as Austin PBS. Season 14 of Austin City Limits aired in 1989. This season featured a Songwriters Special with performances by Harlan Howard, Don Schlitz, Mike Reid, Janis Ian, Kye Fleming, and Mark Wright. Season 14 of Austin City Limits also featured
4859-864: The Christmas season from 2011 to 2019. Season 39 of Austin City Limits, which aired during the 2013-2014 season, was the last season to use "An Introduction" by Explosions in the Sky as its opening theme music. The song had been used since Season 37, which aired during the 2011-2012 season. Dolby Surround Dolby Pro Logic is a surround sound processing technology developed by Dolby Laboratories , designed to decode soundtracks encoded with Dolby Surround . The terms Dolby Stereo and LtRt ( Left Total , Right Total ) are also used to describe soundtracks that are encoded using this technique. Dolby Stereo —also known as Dolby MP ( Motion Picture ) or Dolby SVA ( stereo variable-area )—was developed by Dolby in 1976 for analog cinema sound systems. The format
4972-649: The Circle Be Unbroken," a special episode that included performances by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Denver, Vassar Clements, New Grass Revival, Randy Scruggs, Helen and Anita Carter, Paulette Carlson, and Jimmy Martin. Season 15 of Austin City Limits also featured the W.C. Clark Blues Revue. The revue included performances by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Angela Strehli, Lou Ann Barton, Kim Wilson, and Danny Freeman. In 1990, during Season 15 of "Austin City Limits," KLRU and TNN launched
5085-470: The Collins Sisters. Season 10 of Austin City Limits celebrated the PBS live music show's 10th anniversary in 1985. The show celebrated this milestone by showcasing great music, legendary singers and pickers, and the stars of tomorrow. Since its inception in 1974, Austin City Limits has featured the best of country music and then some. In 1985, Season 10 of "Austin City Limits" was taped outdoors for
5198-579: The Dolby Stereo theater processor with active steering logic and much better channel separation (up to 30 dB) as well as including a dedicated center channel output for the first time. Many standalone Pro Logic decoders also included a phantom center option for compatibility with earlier non-Pro Logic Dolby Surround equipped home theaters to split the center channel signal to the L/R speakers for legacy phantom center reproduction. Dolby Surround Pro Logic
5311-464: The Moody Theater for Season 37. Austin City Limits introduced its Songwriters Special in Season 5 (1980). The special featured established and up-and-coming songwriters performing their own songs. The Songwriters Special was a popular feature, and remained in use until Season 34 (2008–2009). The first Songwriters Special featured performances by Willie Nelson , Floyd Tillman , Hank Cochran , Red Lane , Whitey Shafer , and Sonny Throckmorton . The show
5424-459: The Moody Theater. The show's pilot episode with Willie Nelson was taped there in 1974, and Season 1 was taped there in 1976. After 36 seasons in Studio 6A, "Austin City Limits" bid farewell to that studio in 2011. The show then moved to the Moody Theater for Season 37 (2011-2012). Season 37 of "Austin City Limits" aired during the 2011-2012 season. It was a landmark season for the show as it moved to
5537-671: The Morning ". The following summer, MTV (which would be acquired by Viacom 16 years later) filed a trademark infringement lawsuit over the initials CMTV, and the network changed its name to simply CMT . In 1991, Opryland USA and its owner Gaylord Entertainment Company acquired CMT in a $ 34 million deal. The network was sold by a group led by radio station owner Robert Sillerman, record producer James Guercio and Nyhl L Henson. Opryland USA and owner Gaylord also owned CMT's competitor The Nashville Network. In October 1992, CMT launched its first international channel, CMT Europe , as part of
5650-552: The Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Season 21 of Austin City Limits featured an encore presentation of classic performances from past seasons titled "Austin City Limits Classic," and included replays of Roy Orbison's performance from Season 8 in 1983, Roger Miller from Season 8 in 1983, and Marty Robbins from Season 5 in 1980. During the encore, the Austin City Limits logo had a banner reading "CLASSIC." Season 21 of Austin City Limits aired in 1996. It marked Asleep at
5763-498: The PBS website, www.pbs.org. Season 23 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1998 and featured "A Celebration of Townes Van Zandt," which included footage from Townes Van Zandt's 1976 Austin City Limits performance from Season 1, and footage from a West Texas Songwriters Special from Season 8 in 1983. Performers included Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Nanci Griffith, John T. Van Zandt, Lyle Lovett, Peter Rowan, and Jack Clement. Beginning with this season,
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#17327725383995876-507: The Rainbow" featured Willie Nelson and Ray Benson, while "Country Classics from Austin City Limits" showcased a compilation of classic country songs from the first five seasons of Austin City Limits from 1976 to 1980. Season 7 of "Austin City Limits" in 1982 was the first not to have a Songwriters Special. However, it did introduce the show's iconic Austin skyline backdrop, and the return of "Austin City Limits" creator and founder Bill Arhos as
5989-546: The Songwriters Special. Season 34 of Austin City Limits, which aired during the 2008-2009 season, was the last season to use the 2002-2010 PBS "Be More" logo. The logo had been in use since Season 28 (2002-2003). Season 35 of "Austin City Limits" celebrated the 35th anniversary of the PBS show in 2009-2010. This season marked the end of the Songwriters Special, which had been a regular feature since Season 5 in 1980. Season 35 of Austin City Limits, which aired during
6102-1009: The United Kingdom, Malaysia, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, Iran, South Korea, Australia, the Netherlands, and Japan. Season 17 of Austin City Limits aired in 1992. Season 17 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1992, was the last season to use the 1989–1993 PBS logo with the "3D Glass," which had been in use since Season 15 in 1990. The season kicked off with an all-female Songwriters Special featuring performances by Nanci Griffith, Indigo Girls, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Julie Gold. Also during Season 17, "Austin Encore" premiered on TNN. It featured replays of performers from past seasons of "Austin City Limits". "Austin Encore" aired on TNN from 1992 to 1993. In 1992, PBS aired an Austin City Limits special, "Neil Young in Concert". This
6215-568: The West Texas Songwriters Special. The show included performances by Butch Hancock, David Halley, Townes Van Zandt, and Jimmie Gilmore, now known as Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Season 8 also featured the Songwriters Showcase, which included performances by Rodney Crowell, John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver, Guy Clark, Keith Sykes, Bill Caswell, and Rosanne Cash. Season 9 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1984. Season 9
6328-525: The Wheel's 25th anniversary. The show featured performances by Asleep at the Wheel, and special guests Willie Nelson, Tracy Byrd, Wade Hayes, Delbert McClinton, and Charlie Daniels. Season 22 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1997 and featured a Songwriters Special. The special included performances by Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Kimmie Rhodes, and Billy Joe Shaver. Also during Season 22, "Austin City Limits" aired tributes to Walter Hyatt and Bill Monroe, who both died in 1996. The Bill Monroe tribute featured
6441-431: The addition of a height component, creating front height channels above the front left and right speakers, expanding a 5.1 or 7.1 system to 7.1 Height or 9.1. It identifies spatial cues in low-level, uncorrelated information, such as ambience and effects like rain or wind in the side and rear surround channels, and directs it to the front height speakers. The channels it adds are matrixed, not discrete. Dolby reintroduced
6554-439: The addition of full-length video tags throughout videos and new imaging, no major changes came to the channel's programming. In 2015, the network discontinued specific video blocks due to that year's cutbacks throughout Viacom, including music video programmers. The network has lost carriage throughout time with the growth of streaming video options, being carried solely in standard definition, and CMT no longer being considered
6667-649: The age of 58. As a tribute to him, "Austin City Limits" featured the Texas Tornados during Season 25. Season 26 of Austin City Limits aired during the 2000-2001 season. The logo for that season was a holdover from Season 25 (2000). It featured a musical note and flames, and read "Austin City Limits Original American Music Since 1975." The Austin City Limits logo also had a banner that says "CLASSIC" for classic encores. For this season only, Terry Lickona appeared on camera for
6780-432: The blues. Season 24 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1999. This was the last season that Bill Arhos, the show's creator and founder, served as executive producer. He had returned to the show during Season 7 in 1982. Bill Arhos was a longtime public television executive. He joined KLRN in 1962 as program director, and then became general manager of KLRU from 1986 to 1999. Arhos retired from producing "Austin City Limits" after
6893-512: The center channel could leak into the surround channel—there was as little as 3 dB of separation between LCR and Surround channels. In 1987 the decoding technology was updated and renamed Dolby Pro Logic . A Pro Logic decoder/processor "unfolds" the sound into the original 4.0 surround—left and right, center , and a single limited frequency-range (7 kHz low-pass filtered ) mono rear channel. A Pro Logic decoder also uses 'Steering Logic', which drives amplifiers to raise or lower
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#17327725383997006-461: The consumer passive matrix decoding technology; the professional, active-matrix cinema technology bore the name Dolby Stereo . It was capable of decoding Dolby Stereo four-channel soundtracks to three output channels (Left, Right, Surround). The Center channel was fed equally to the Left and Right speakers. The Surround channel was limited to a 100 Hz to 7 kHz frequency bandwidth, as dialog from
7119-517: The countryside, lingering on the Austin City Limits sign. The opening montage then shifts to scenes of local nightclubs, including Threadgill's, The Cotton Exchange Saloon, One Knite, Castle Creek, Split Rail, Broken Spoke, Texas Opry House, Armadillo World Headquarters, and the Soap Creek Saloon. The final shot is of the empty stage, with the Austin City Limits logo and the performer's name. The closing credits for "Austin City Limits" feature
7232-535: The end of Season 7 (1982). In 1983, Gary Menotti replaced Allan Muir as the director of Austin City Limits. Menotti's first season as director was Season 8. From 1976 to 2011, seasons 1 through 36 of "Austin City Limits" were taped at Studio 6A in the Communications Building B on the University of Texas at Austin campus. The studio was located on the sixth floor of the building, which is why it
7345-435: The executive producer. In addition, this season introduced the show's opening theme music by John Mills. John Mills was asked to record the opening theme, and he did so at a studio. The sound was then put on acetate to make it more audience friendly. "Austin City Limits" was nominated for and won Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards. Allan Muir directed Season 7 of "Austin City Limits" in 1982. This
7458-433: The first time. The season featured a 10th anniversary party in downtown Austin with Bob Wills' Texas Playboys. Over 5,000 fans attended the party, which included a concert and a barbecue. Season 10 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1985. It featured the show's first tribute show, which honored singer-songwriter Steve Goodman. Goodman died on September 20, 1984, at the age of 36. Season 10 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1985. It
7571-609: The first was the MSP400 surround sound receiver and amplifier by RCA for their high-end Dimensia brand. It was released in 1987 for the Digital Command Component System . Dolby Surround is the earliest consumer version of Dolby's surround sound decoding technology. It was introduced to the public in 1982 during the time home video recording formats (such as Betamax and VHS ) were introducing Stereo and HiFi capability. The name Dolby Surround described
7684-419: The highest rated live music show on PBS during Season 6. The following year, Bill Arhos returned to the show as executive producer for Season 7. He remained in that role until his retirement at the end of Season 24 in 1999. In 2014, Arhos was inducted into the "Austin City Limits" Hall of Fame. He died in 2015 at the age of 80. Some of the performances from "Austin City Limits" have been released as CDs and DVDs in
7797-409: The live music show "Austin City Limits." After hanging up the phone, Bill Arhos asked, "Why don't we do a music show? I've got the perfect title." Paul Bosner came up with the idea for "Austin City Limits" and named the show after the 1974 film "Macon County Line." He pitched the pilot as part of a PBS pledge drive. According to KLRN program director Bill Arhos, Paul Bosner said, "Bill, would you agree to
7910-566: The live telecast moved to CBS ), and CMT Crossroads , which pairs country music artists with musicians from other music genres. It also carries simulcasts of MTV and Nickelodeon's own award specials as part of Paramount's common "road block" event programming strategy. CMT Music (formerly CMT Pure Country ) is an American pay television channel and a sister network to CMT. It exclusively carries country music videos in an 8-hour programming wheel schedule similar to several other video-exclusive networks owned by Paramount Global. The network
8023-525: The moniker "Austin Encore." The repackaged shows featured a mix of musical genres, including rock, blues, country, and folk. From 1998 to 2002, reruns of "Austin City Limits" aired on CMT Canada. The show featured live musical performances by a wide range of artists. In 2022, Circle Country (formerly Circle Network) began repackaging older "Austin City Limits" episodes under the moniker Austin City Limits: Country. "Austin City Limits: Country"
8136-417: The musician to perform. The musician performed for the cameras, and the crew captured the performance on videotape. Season 1 of "Austin City Limits" aired on PBS in 1976. It was submitted to KLRN, its national PBS distributor in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. The first season consisted of 13 one-hour episodes. The show opens with a soundcheck led by producer Paul Bosner. The opening montage begins with shots of
8249-559: The network being replaced in Canada by Calgary , Alberta-based New Country Network . By March 1996, CMT had eventually returned the dropped videos to its playlist after reaching an agreement to acquire a 20% ownership of New Country Network, relaunching it as a domestic version of CMT. In 1997, both CMT and TNN were sold to Westinghouse , then-owner of CBS , for a reported $ 1.5 billion. CBS would in-turn be acquired by Viacom in 2000, assuming ownership of CMT and TNN and folding them into
8362-432: The next artist, which was followed by another interview segment. The show would then end with closing credits. The show "Austin City Limits" consisted of two performers in a half-hour format, and one performer in a one-hour format. The show was a combination of music and interviews. Austin City Limits was originally taped at KLRU's Studio 6A for the first 36 seasons, from 1976 to 2011. In 2011, the show moved to its new home at
8475-502: The notoriously TV-shy Nelson. The show's success as a fundraiser was enough for Arhos to get "Austin City Limits" green-lighted as a series. Austin City Limits is a popular television series that features live music performances. The show inspired the creation of the Austin City Limits Music Festival , an annual live music festival held at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. In 1981, "Austin City Limits" became
8588-436: The opening theme music was produced by John Mills, and recorded at Bee Creek Studio. Season 23 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1998, was the last season to use the 1996–1998 PBS logo with the "CGI Window." That logo had been in use since Season 22, which aired in 1997. Austin City Limits aired a "Big Blues Extravaganza" special during this season. They also aired a "Best of Chet Atkins" special hosted by Garrison Keillor, and
8701-650: The opening theme music written and performed by Charlie Sexton. This theme had been in use since Season 30 (2004-2005). Season 33 of "Austin City Limits" aired during the 2007-2008 season. One of the episodes was a special recorded at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. Season 34 of Austin City Limits was the final season to use the Songwriters Special, which had been a feature since Season 5 in 1980. The Songwriters Special featured songwriters gathering around to perform their original songs. After Season 34, "Austin City Limits" discontinued
8814-449: The output volume of each channel based on the current dominant sound direction. For example, while a mono signal is played, the strong correlation to the center channel triggers the output volume of the left, right and surround channels to be lowered. This increases the channel separation achievable to around 30 decibels between channels. By careful tuning of the response of the amplifiers, the total amount of signal energy remains constant and
8927-419: The outtakes of Stevie Ray Vaughan's 1984 performance from Season 9; the 1990 performances from Season 15; and Leonard Cohen from Season 14 in 1989. Season 27 of "Austin City Limits" aired during the 2001-2002 season. This season marked the end of the classic encores that had been a staple of the show since Season 18 in 1993. In 2001, during the 27th season of Austin City Limits, CMT began airing older episodes of
9040-487: The ownership group of Telestar Corporation and the Blinder Robinson & Company investment bank in a three-way split. Daniels also served as the program director and the first president of the network. The network launched on March 5, 1983, at 6:19 p.m. CT, beating its chief competitor, The Nashville Network , to air by two days. The first video clip to air on CMT was Faron Young 's 1971 hit " It's Four in
9153-502: The performance at the beginning of the season. These interviews provide additional insight into the artists' creative process and inspirations. During Season 25, "Austin City Limits" introduced a logo that incorporated a musical note and flames. This logo was used until Season 29 (2003-2004) along with the text "Austin City Limits Twenty-Five Years of American Music 1975-2000". In 2000, during the closing credits,
9266-548: The performers. During Season 11 of "Austin City Limits" in 1986, a special reunion episode was aired. The episode featured a lineup that included Steve Fromholz, Asleep at the Wheel, Tracy Nelson, Marcia Ball, St. Greezy's Wheel, Rusty Wier, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Gary P. Nunn. Season 12 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1987. It was the last season to be produced by the Southwest Texas Public Broadcasting Council, which had been producing
9379-462: The same shot of the empty stage, as in the opening. Season 1 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1976. It was the first season to use the 1971-1984 PBS logo featuring "The Tri-Colored Everyman P-Heads." This logo remained in use until Season 9 in 1984. In 1976, during Season 1 of "Austin City Limits," director Bruce Scafe chose "London Homesick Blues" by Gary P. Nunn as the theme song. It was used until Season 29 (2003-2004). For Season 2 in 1977, Scafe took
9492-586: The season ended. This season, Austin City Limits adopted the tagline "Where Music Lives." This tagline reflects the show's commitment to presenting a wide variety of musical genres. Season 24 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1999. That season featured "Mexican Roots Music: A Celebration," which showcased a full hour of Mexican music on the Austin City Limits stage. Performers included Los Lobos, also known as Los Super 7, Freddy Fender, Flaco Jimenez, Ruben Ramos, Rick Trevino, Joe Ely, Tish Hinojosa, and Campanas de America. Season 24 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1999,
9605-496: The series under the moniker "Best of Austin City Limits." From 2002 to 2003, CMT (formerly Country Music Television) repackaged several country music-themed episodes of "Austin City Limits" under the moniker "Best of Austin City Limits." When "Austin City Limits" aired on CMT, the episodes were 42 minutes long to allow for commercials. Each episode began with an introduction by Charlie Robison and Tara McNamara. From 1992 to 1993, TNN repackaged older "Austin City Limits" performers under
9718-506: The show since Season 5 in 1980. After this season, the Southwest Texas Public Broadcasting Council dissolved, and two PBS stations, KLRN and KLRU, split up. KLRN became the Alamo Public Telecommunications Council, and KLRU became the Capital of Texas Public Telecommunications Council. Season 13 of Austin City Limits aired in 1988. That year, the Southwest Texas Public Broadcasting Council dissolved, and
9831-406: The show switched from NTSC to HDTV, and a new opening theme music, written and performed by Charlie Sexton, was introduced. The new theme replaced "London Homesick Blues" by Gary P. Nunn, which had been used from 1977 to 2004 in seasons 2-29. The opening theme remained in use until Season 32 (2006-2007). Austin City Limits Season 32, which aired during the 2006-2007 season, was the last season to use
9944-462: The show under the title "Best of Austin City Limits." These episodes were edited to make room for commercials, and several parts were missing. Season 27 of Austin City Limits, which aired during the 2001–2002 season, was the last season to use the 1998–2002 PBS logo with the "Circle P-Heads," which had been in use since Season 24 in 1999. Season 28 of Austin City Limits aired during the 2002-2003 season. Season 28 of Austin City Limits, which aired during
10057-643: The song from Season 1, Episode 13, featuring Jerry Jeff Walker and The Lost Gonzo Band, and used it as the audio to accompany landscape and nightclub shots. Charles Vaughn became the producer and director of "Austin City Limits" during Season 3 in 1978. Terry Lickona, Ray Lucero, and Gary Menotti also joined the Austin City Limits staff that season. In 1978, during Season 3 of Austin City Limits, PBS aired its first Austin City Limits special, "The Best of Austin City Limits: Country Music and Then Some." Season 4 of "Austin City Limits" in 1979 marked
10170-479: The soundtrack back into its original 4.0 surround—left and right, center , and a single limited frequency-range (7 kHz low-pass filtered ) mono rear channel—while systems lacking the decoder play back the audio as standard stereo. Although Dolby Surround was introduced as an analog format, all Dolby Digital decoders incorporate a digitally implemented Dolby Surround Pro Logic decoder for digital stereo signals that carry matrix-encoded Dolby Surround. One of
10283-457: The stage by dimming the lights, which allowed for a more intimate atmosphere. Season 5 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1980. This season featured a new set design with horse fences to block the audience from the camera's view. This season also marked the beginning of production by the Southwest Texas Public Broadcasting Council after KLRN in San Antonio and Austin, Texas dissolved production in 1979. Season 5 of "Austin City Limits" in 1980 featured
10396-1092: The surround channel arrive at the listener after the front channels. This takes advantage of the Haas effect —audio that is present in the front speakers but delayed in the surround speakers will have the psychoacoustic effect of emanating from the front of the sound stage. Dolby Surround and Dolby Pro Logic decoders are similar in principle, as both use matrix technology to extract extra channels from Dolby Stereo stereo-encoded audio. The terms Dolby Stereo, Dolby Surround and Lt/Rt are all used to describe soundtracks that are matrix-encoded using this technique. In 2000, Dolby introduced Dolby Pro Logic II (DPL II), an improved implementation of Dolby Pro Logic created by Jim Fosgate . DPL II processes any high-quality stereo signal source into five separate full frequency channels (right front, center, left front, right rear and left rear), while also decoding five channels from stereo signals encoded in traditional four-channel Dolby Surround. DPL II implements greatly enhanced steering compared to DPL, and as
10509-439: The way since Season 25 (2000). The logo reads "Austin City Limits Original American Music Since 1975", which had been used since Season 26 (2000-2001). This is also the last season to use the opening theme music by Tequila Mockingbird, which had been in use since Season 25 (2000). 2004 was the 30th anniversary of "Austin City Limits," and to commemorate the occasion, a number 30 was added to the Austin City Limits logo. In addition,
10622-404: Was a compilation of Merle Haggard's performances on the show from his first "Austin City Limits" appearance in Season 3 in 1978 to his latest appearance in Season 16 in 1991. Season 19 also featured a Songwriters Special that included performances by Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and Rodney Crowell. Season 20 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1995. To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary, a number 20
10735-415: Was a critical and commercial success, and helped launch the careers of several country music stars. The pilot episode of "Austin City Limits" was taped on October 17, 1974, and starred Willie Nelson. The episode was deemed unusable, so another pilot was taped the following night, starring B.W. Stevenson. The deliberate lack of production slickness, combined with careful attention to audio detail, pleased even
10848-638: Was a replay of Neil Young's performance on Austin City Limits during Season 10 in 1985, when the show celebrated its 10th anniversary. Season 18 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1993. Season 18 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1993, was the first season to use the 1993–1996 PBS logo with the "Orange CGI P-Head." This logo remained in use until Season 21 in 1996. Beginning with this season, "Austin City Limits" began focusing on replays of classic performances. These encores were presented as "Austin City Limits Classic," and continued until Season 26 (2000-2001). This season, an "Austin City Limits" classic encore included
10961-586: Was adapted for home use in 1982 as Dolby Surround when HiFi capable consumer VCRs were introduced. It was further improved with the Dolby Pro Logic decoding system after 1987. The Dolby MP Matrix was the professional system that encoded four channels of film sound into two. This track used by the Dolby Stereo theater system on a 35mm optical stereo print and decoded back to the original 4.0 Surround. The same four-channel encoded stereo track
11074-418: Was added behind the "Austin City Limits" logo. The anniversary season also featured a bluegrass special performed by Ricky Skaggs, Larry Sparks, and Ralph Stanley. In addition, Season 20 featured a Tejano Music Special with performances by Flaco Jimenez, Rick Orozco, Joel Nava, La Diferenzia, and Freddy Fender. Season 21 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1996. Season 21 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1996,
11187-474: Was designated as Studio 6A. In 2010, the show's original studio, which was located in Austin, Texas, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Austin City Limits was a popular venue for artists of all genres. It was known for its innovative sound and recording techniques. A plaque near the entrance to Communications Building B commemorates the show's long history. The plaque proclaims Austin City Limits to be
11300-528: Was equally split between the left and right channels for phantom center reproduction. This differed from the Cinema Dolby Stereo system which used active steering and other processing to decode a center channel for dialog and center focused on-screen action. Later on in 1987, the Pro Logic decoding system was released to consumers. It featured virtually the same type of four-channel decoding as
11413-463: Was first launched as VH1 Country , a country music video-oriented spinoff of VH1 , on August 1, 1998; predating the folding of CBS Cable networks TNN and CMT into Viacom . On May 27, 2006, the channel rebranded as CMT Pure Country to realign the CMT brand to solely represent Viacom's country music-related programming. On January 4, 2016, the network's name was changed to CMT Music . Outside of
11526-492: Was his last season as director, as he left the show after this season. Season 8 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 1983. Gary Menotti replaced Allan Muir as the director, and the show broadened its scope to include musical styles other than Texas country and blues artists. B.B. King, Loretta Lynn, John Conlee, Rosanne Cash, Steve Wariner, and Tammy Wynette performed. In addition, the lights of the Austin skyline backdrop were given new paint jobs. Season 8 of Austin City Limits featured
11639-488: Was hosted by Austin City Limits producer Terry Lickona. Season 15 of Austin City Limits celebrated the PBS live music program's 15th anniversary in 1990. The season marked the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s for the show. Season 15 of Austin City Limits, which aired in 1990, was the first season to use the 1989–1993 PBS logo with the "3D Glass." This logo remained in use until Season 17, which aired in 1992. In 1990, Season 15 of "Austin City Limits" featured "Will
11752-660: Was hosted first by Rodney Crowell during Season 1 in 2022, and by Ray Benson during Season 2 in 2023. By Season 16 in 1991, "Austin City Limits" was broadcast in the United States and Canada . Subsequently, it began broadcasting internationally in different countries via satellite. Translations were done in Mexico , Costa Rica , Colombia , the United Kingdom , Malaysia , Portugal , Germany , Switzerland , Austria , Turkey , Iran , South Korea , Australia ,
11865-461: Was largely left unchanged and made available to consumers as "Dolby Surround" on home video. However, the original Dolby Surround decoders in 1982 were a simple passive matrix three-channel decoder: L/R and mono Surround . The surround channel was limited to 7 kHz. It also had Dolby Noise Reduction and an adjustable delay, for improved channel separation and to prevent dialog leaking and arriving to listeners' ears first. The front center channel
11978-496: Was no longer credited as the executive producer. He retired after the 24th season in 1999 Season 25 of "Austin City Limits" aired in 2000. That season featured a Songwriters Special, with performances by Emmylou Harris, Dave Matthews, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller, and Judy Miller. In the 25th anniversary season of "Austin City Limits," a new opening theme music was arranged by Tequila Mockingbird. This music remained in use until Season 29 (2003-2004). On November 18, 1999, Doug Sahm died at
12091-587: Was taken from Season 8, Episode 8 in 1983, featuring Michael Martin Murphey and Gary P. Nunn. During this season, PBS aired an Austin City Limits special titled "Country Memories," which was hosted by Willie Nelson. Season 9 of Austin City Limits featured performances by country music legends, including Faron Young, Kitty Wells, the Sons of the Pioneers, Joe and Rosie Maphis, Pee Wee King, Red Stewart, Johnny Wright, and
12204-418: Was the first season to use the 1984–1989 PBS logo featuring the "Split Profile". That logo would remain in use until Season 14 in 1989. Austin City Limits introduced an all-female Songwriters Special in 1986 during Season 11. The special featured female performers gathering around to perform their original songs. Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, Gail Davies, Lacy J. Dalton, Pam Rose, and Mary Ann Kennedy were among
12317-494: Was the first season to use the 1996-1998 PBS logo with the "CGI Window." This logo remained in use through Season 23 in 1998. In 1997 during Season 22, "Austin City Limits" launched its website, which included material from the show's performers and new features designed just for the World Wide Web. The site also included a history of "Austin City Limits" and archival episodes. The "Austin City Limits" website can be found at
12430-403: Was the first season to use the 1998–2002 PBS logo with the "Circle P-Heads." This logo remained in use until Season 27 (2001-2002). In 2000, Austin City Limits celebrated its 25th anniversary during Season 25. The season celebrated 25 years of American music, and the 25th season of "Austin City Limits" marked a silver anniversary. Austin City Limits has introduced interview segments that air after
12543-491: Was the last season to use the 1971–1984 PBS logo with the "Tri-Colored Everyman P-Heads." This logo had been in use since the 1974 pilot episode with Willie Nelson, and Season 1 in 1976. Beginning with this season, the 1976 recording of "London Homesick Blues" from Season 1 is played during the opening credits. During the closing credits, a more modern recording of "London Homesick Blues" is featured, with Gary P. Nunn on lead vocals and several backup vocalists. The original recording
12656-516: Was the last season to use the 1993-1996 PBS logo with the "Orange CGI P-Head." This logo had been in use since Season 18, which aired in 1993. Season 21 featured a special episode called "Sagebrush Symphony," which showcased music of the American west. Performers included Michael Martin Murphey, the Sons of the San Joaquin, Hank Thompson, Robert Mirabal, and Herb Jeffries, who were accompanied by
12769-509: Was the last season to use the horse fences set that had been in use since Season 5 in 1980. The horse fences set was replaced by the Austin skyline backdrop in Season 7 in 1982. During Season 6, "Austin City Limits" became the highest rated live music show on PBS. That same year, Austin City Limits went to commercial syndication, and the show began syndicating to local stations under the name "Austin City Limits Encore." In 1981, during Season 6, PBS aired two Austin City Limits specials. "Swingin' Over
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