Words by Ryan Jones

Photos by Nathan Edge

The Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, in its second year for 2015, was a trip. Through its unrivaled run as the longest-airing music television show, ACL Live has presented countless classic performances, from some of the most admired artists in the music world since 1974. The ACL Hall of Fame festivities entailed reflection and remembrances, in both speech and song, regarding the legacy of the program and its stars. It was a tribute to the masters who have graced the ACL stage. Evidently, the earliest roster of the show’s concerts tended to lean toward the rootsy, Americana, folk-twinged side of the musical spectrum. As such, the initial inductees – Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughn – fit this description. This year’s edition stuck to the same blueprint while expanding the scope. There were more inductees, more performers, and more productions. The proceedings honored Loretta Lynn, Guy Clark, Flaco Jiménez, Townes Van Zandt, and Asleep at The Wheel. Featured guest musicians included Vince Gill, Gillian Welch, Lyle Lovett, Laura Marling, David Hidalgo, JT Van Zandt, Jason Isbell, Patty Loveless, Los Texmaniacs, and David Rawlings. Hosted by and also featuring Dwight Yoakam. Scope the pictures from Nathan Edge for a glimpse into a night that was at times emotionally reverent and poignant, but opened up for jovial jams. – Ryan Jones

Asleep at the Wheel

Dwight Yoakam

Flaco Jiminez and the Texmaniacs

Gillian Welch

Jason Isbell

JT Van Zandt

Laura Marling

Lyle Lovett

Patty Loveless

Vince Gill

ACL