On a memorable Thursday evening at ACL Live, echoes of laughter blended with sentimental tears as renowned country star, Trisha Yearwood, and the legendary late John Prine were honored with induction into the “Austin City Limits” Hall of Fame, a tradition since 2014.
The evening was a delightful glimpse of what awaits viewers in the 49th season of TV’s longest-standing music program, airing in 2024. Among the performances, Allison Russell touched hearts with her rendition of Prine’s “Storm Windows,” recalling how her daughter cherishes his tunes. Meanwhile, Valerie June added a touch of vibrancy to Prine’s reflective “Angel From Montgomery.”
Yearwood, joined by Ronnie Dunn—a voice she lauds as unparalleled—belted out “I’ll Carry You Home.” The evening had moments that felt transcendental, embodying the magical aura that only “Austin City Limits” can create. The climactic performance of the night was the ensemble’s delivery of Prine’s “Paradise,” drawing applause that seemed endless.
Among the solo performers was Kurt Vile with Prine’s “How Lucky,” while many others shared the stage with the illustrious “Austin City Limits” house band, directed by the venerable Lloyd Maines, a Hall of Fame original inductee.
Throughout the evening, video tributes played, highlighting the contributions of the inductees. Garth Brooks, Yearwood’s husband, candidly shared his initial hesitation about her chart-topping single “She’s In Love With the Boy.” Audiences were also reminded of Yearwood’s diverse talents—from her successful cookbooks to her Emmy-winning show, “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen.” A surprise element was Matthew McConaughey’s appearance, harking back to his role in Yearwood’s “Walkaway Joe” video.
The celebration was bittersweet for Prine fans, recalling his planned 2020 induction and the subsequent postponement due to the onset of the pandemic and his untimely demise to COVID.
In the upcoming episodes of the 49th “Austin City Limits” season, viewers can look forward to artists like Margo Price, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Jorge Drexler, Jason Isbell, and the Foo Fighters. The highlight of 2024 is undoubtedly the show’s golden jubilee, marking five decades since its inception with Willie Nelson. The anticipation was palpable as both Terry Lickona and Luis Patiño hinted at a year brimming with festivities.
Dave Grohl’s recent tribute to the show’s unparalleled essence was truly felt that night.
Highlight Performances of the Evening:
Trisha Yearwood Hall of Fame Induction:
- Jo Dee Messina: “She’s in Love With the Boy”
- Trisha Yearwood and Ronnie Dunn: “I’ll Carry You Home”
- Brandy Clark: “The Song Remembers When”
- Brothers Osborne: “Wrong Side of Memphis”
- Trisha Yearwood and Don Henley: “Walkaway Joe”
John Prine Hall of Fame Induction:
- Tommy Prine: “Souvenirs”
- Kurt Vile: “How Lucky”
- Allison Russell: “Storm Windows”
- Nathaniel Rateliff: “All the Best”
- Valerie June: “Angel From Montgomery”
- Cast: “Paradise”
Music Maestros of the Night:
Trisha Yearwood, Jo Dee Messina, Ronnie Dunn, Don Henley, and more, with the “Austin City Limits” house band, including the likes of Lloyd Maines, David Grissom, and Bill Whitbeck.