Austin City Limits: The Early 80s

Austin City Limits: 1981-1985

The onset of the 1980s brought even more diversity to the program lineup of Austin City Limits. The intimate venue saw the ACL debut of B.B. King in a full hour concert, featuring performances of "The Thrill Is Gone" and "Love Me Tender." His electrifying mix of country and blues was a perfect fit for the program, which was constantly reaching for exceptional musicians and songwriters.

In 1982, the now-familiar Austin skyline backdrop was first used, and becomes the permanent look of Austin City Limits. First time performances by Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, John Anderson and George Strait highlight this landmark season.

The genre crossover continued with such diverse acts as Kris Kristofferson, Ray Charles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, the LeRoi Brothers and Neil Young. (The 80s were in full effect too, just listen to some of these cheesy songs!)

In 1985, ACL celebrated its 10th anniversary with an outdoor concert headlined by Bob Wills' Original Texas Playboys. The first episode ever taped outside the KLRU studios, a crowd of 5,000 are entertained at the huge celebration. The performance is broadcast as the premiere episode of 1985. Other highlights of that season would be The Oak Ridge Boys, Vince Gill and Glen Campbell.

Coming up: Austin City Limits 1986-1990

Previously: Austin City Limits 1975-1980

The Sunday News

Here are the latest additions to the playlist of The Sunday News for August 7, 2005. Features Jack's Mannequin, Hockeynight and new singles from Death Cab for Cutie and The Bloodhound Gang.

Listen to The Sunday News, 7/07/05

* "Loose Lips Sink Ships" - A Change Of Pace
* "Soul Meets Body (Radio Edit)" - Death Cab for Cutie
* "There's A Fire" - Longwave
* "The Mixed Tape (Album Version)" - Jack's Mannequin
* "TV Fever" - Sam Champion
* "For Guys' Eyes Only" - Hockeynight
* "Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo" - Bloodhound Gang