At SXSW Austin City Limits Reflects on 50 Years

Jeff Peterson and Terry Lickona of Austin City Limits (Photo by David Brendan Hall)

Last month Austin City Limits kicked off their season 50 tapings with the city’s current biggest act, Black Pumas.

The Grammy-winners delivered a fitting start to golden anniversary celebrations for the longest-running music television show in history, and emphasized how the PBS staple continues to evolve while celebrating its deep history. That balance of past and future held the spotlight Monday afternoon at South by Southwest as Sara Robertson of Austin PBS led a conversation with longtime Austin City Limits linchpins Emily Bolf, Jeff Peterson, and Terry Lickona.

Between selected clips from some of the show’s iconic performances – Dolly Parton, Kendrick Lamar, R.E.M. – the group discussed the wide range of music they can bring to the screen. The panel also emphasized the show’s place in both setting and evolving the standard of music television recording.

“Our show has always showcased music to a national audience that you would not see anywhere else … especially an entire show’s worth,” noted Lickona, the show’s familiar executive producer and host.

(l-r) Sara Robertson, Jeff Peterson, Terry Lickona, and Emily Bolf (Photo by David Brendan Hall)

If there is one line that runs through the over 1000 tapings since the show’s first pilot episode with Willie Nelson in 1974, though, it’s authenticity. Alongside the Pumas, season 50 will feature Juanes, Gary Clark Jr., and Brittany Howard. The panelists discussed how they’ve expanded from a regional focus to now showcase international acts from nearly every genre.

“The show has evolved, but I think all of us still think of it as an underdog,” admitted Bolf when asked about some of the challenges faced over the years.

“It’s the artists and audiences,” quipped Peterson on how the show has lasted so long.

Lickona emphasized the community support from Austin, before showing a clip of Lyle Lovett closing out the old Studio 6A with “Closing Time” and inviting the full crew onstage.

“When we talk about that ‘it’s like family,’ it really is,” closed Lickona.