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Pilot Episode: Willie Nelson

Austin City Limits Pilot Episode: Willie Nelson Recorded October 17, 1974

Pilot Episode: Willie Nelson Austin City Limits

Premiered March 22, 1975
Pilot Episode: Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson recorded the original pilot episode of Austin City Limits on October 17, 1974. At the time, no one could have predicted that the fledgling music show from Austin, Texas, would still be around and delivering great performances decades later.

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Episode Extras

Willie Nelson performs for Austin City Limits' pilot episode in 1974.
Watch (03:53)
Clip

Willie Nelson "Stay All Night..." (Pilot Episode, 1974)

Willie Nelson's classic "Whiskey River" on Austin City Limits.
Watch (03:35)
Clip

Willie Nelson "Whiskey River" (Pilot Episode, 1974)

All Episodes

Austin City Limits: Season 1

Pilot Episode: Willie Nelson: asset-mezzanine-16x9
Watch (59:26)

Pilot Episode: Willie Nelson

Program Specials & Extras

The Austin City Limits Hall of Fame honors country music superstar Trisha Yearwood.
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Special

ACL 9th Annual Hall of Fame Honors Trisha Yearwood

The 9th annual Austin City Limits Hall of Fame honors late singer/songwriter John Prine.
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Special

ACL 9th Annual Hall of Fame Honors John Prine

Austin City Limits presents highlights from Nashville’s 22nd Annual Americana Honors.
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Watch (55:15)
Special

ACL Presents 22nd Annual Americana Honors

About the Program

Austin City Limits

Great music. No limits. Now the longest-running music series in American television history, ACL showcases popular music legends and innovators from every genre. In addition to being honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum as a rock and roll landmark, ACL is the only television program to ever receive the National Medal of Arts, the nation's highest award for artistic excellence.

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