An Open Letter to “Austin City Limits”: In Consideration of Ray Wylie Hubbard
Dear Terry Lickona and Austin City Limits,
First off, congratulations on all of the success over Austin City Limits’ 40-year, Hall of Fame-caliber run. As a native Texan and lifelong music fan, I grew up watching Austin City Limits, remember being mesmerized by Stevie Ray Vaughan during the original airings of his now legendary performances, seeing so many of the legends of country and roots music make memorable appearances on that magical stage when in many cases the rest of the music world had forgotten about them, and even today I get excited to see names like Jason Isbell, Valerie June, and in this upcoming season, Sturgill Simpson make their Austin City Limits debuts.
I can only imagine the difficult hand-wringing that must transpire when deciding who gets to play each season. With the reverence so many artists and fans have for Austin City Limits, yet the limited number of slots to fill each season, the weight of an appearance on the show is incredibly magnified. I’m sure that’s one of the reasons so many of the new episodes are split between two performers—to accommodate even more worthy talent to be showcased through this important public medium.
I appreciate how easy it is for some viewers to sit back and criticize the decisions to bring in certain artists to perform on ACL, especially non Austin-based artists and big named artists like Eric Church, Radiohead, Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, and others. Austin City Limits will probably benefit more from these well-known performers than the performers will benefit by playing Austin City Limits. Why not give that opportunity to a more deserving artist they ask? But in this age of high production costs and a crowded media landscape, even not-for-profit entities must compete for viewers and corporate funding.
Every media entity, no matter where they started, has to continuously adapt to survive, especially in the modern climate. And television shows don’t stick around for 40 years without making smart moves. At the same time, some of the greatest media entities are the ones who never forgot their roots, and always honor the original format in whatever degree they can to keep their loyal and long-time audience happy, and fulfill their responsibilities within the media community, especially when they claim the status of a non-profit. I don’t need to tell you that Austin City Limits was originally set up primarily to chronicle the amazing talent, and the influential scene that erupted in Austin music in the 70’s. I believe it was Jan Reed’s book The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock that inspired producers to create a visual, television-based version of the Austin music scene to catalog the talent Austin, TX boasted, and to share it with the rest of the country and world through public television.
Even as Austin City Limits has slowly adapted its mission over the years by seeking out talent not just beyond the Austin area, but beyond the greater country and roots scene, it has still tried to honor those founding traditions of showcasing homegrown artists every season. For years, Lyle Lovett’s songwriter showcases were an excellent outlet for Austin talent. And with Dale Watson slowly becoming the face of Austin music over the last few years, it was heartening to see him get a chance on the sainted Austin City Limits stage last season. Dale’s appearance shows that even as ACL grows to expand its mission beyond Austin’s borders, if someone vital to the Austin scene has yet to be given the opportunity on the stage, Austin City Limits will still step up and honor its original mission.
It is in this spirit that I respectfully ask you give strong consideration to booking country music Outlaw turned blues aficionado and songwriting guru Ray Wylie Hubbard in a future taping of the show. As one of the original characters in the formative years of the Austin music scene, the songwriter for “Redneck Mother” (which was sung on the Austin City Limits stage during Willie Nelson’s pilot episode of the series, and made famous by Jerry Jeff Walker in his Viva Terlingua! record), as well as a relevant, entertaining, and inspiring songwriter, artist, and performer today, I think Ray Wylie Hubbard would make the perfect candidate for a future taping. Ray not only fits the ACL mold as an important Austin figure, but he continues to make some of the best music of his career.
I don’t ask this as a Ray Wylie Hubbard fan as much as I do an individual interested in Austin’s musical history who wants to see the important players who made Austin music what it is today get their moment to be cataloged by the show whose charge is to do that very thing. Including Ray Wylie Hubbard would be an imperative part of telling the story of Austin music. He defines the nexus between country, blues, rock, and folk that Austin is known for. His mentoring of many Austin and Texas musicians and songwriters has been greatly influential, and his place in the pantheon of Austin performers is undeniable.
Ray Wylie Hubbard has appeared on the Austin City Limits stage before, when he sang “Drunken Poet’s Dream” with Hayes Carll—a song he co-wrote with Carll, which once again speaks to Hubbard’s influence. But a dedicated show or segment on ACL is what I believe Ray Wylie Hubbard deserves. I know you probably receive dozens of these types of letters, and they all make strong cases for who the author wishes you select for the next season. But in the case of Ray Wylie Hubbard, I really think it would not only mean a tremendous amount to Ray, but it would mean a tremendous amount to Austin City Limits to finally and formally recognize one of Austin’s most important performers, and help preserve his place in Austin music for following generations to enjoy.
Sincerely,
Kyle “Trigger”
savingcountrymusic.com
August 30, 2015 @ 6:45 pm
Shocks me that he’s never been on ACL’s before 🙁
August 31, 2015 @ 3:53 am
Shocks me, too. Even in its early years, how can a show named “Austin City Limits” not feature Ray Wylie Hubbard? He’s one of the cornerstones of Texas music. It’s like naming the presidents and leaving out Thomas Jefferson or FDR.
Time for a petition drive?
September 1, 2015 @ 5:27 am
Amen to showing Ray Wylie some respect.
September 1, 2015 @ 5:29 pm
Ditto Lance. It would not have occurred to me that RWH hadn’t been featured on ACL already. I am surprised, but then again I am from Massachusetts. What do I know about Austin,TX.
July 19, 2019 @ 7:07 pm
It’s a damn shame that ACL has to be shamed into featuring living legends like RWH and Dale Watson a few years back. It’s past time for them to get back to their roots and dance with the ones that brought ’em.
July 20, 2019 @ 8:35 am
He appeared with Hayes Carls show for “Drunken Poets Dream”….yes a great wrong that he hasnt had his own show..should be Full Hour too
July 20, 2019 @ 4:06 pm
I got to catch Sturgill Simpson on the 40th anniversary show. I had to rush back to my Hot Springs hotel room to do so because I was attending my oldest daughters wedding and out of town. I considered asking her to change the date but my wife said I probaly should not. If the nicest guy on the road today gets his chance to headline ACL, I will mark my calendar wth the same fervor. Seem him in Fayetteville twice and will keep seeing him there as long as he keeps coming. HE IS ONE OF THE BEST. Period. I’m glad he isn’t famous because it makes it easier for me to see and talk to him. Yes, talk. After his shows. He still does that. That’s special. As special as his music and songwriting. Love you Ray. Put him on ACL. Period.
August 30, 2015 @ 7:15 pm
Excellent Trigger, excellent!
August 30, 2015 @ 7:28 pm
I couldn’t agree more! Thank you!
August 30, 2015 @ 7:31 pm
That would be an amazing, can’t miss, instant classic episode of the great show.
September 1, 2015 @ 10:20 am
I WILL NOT call this program classic till RWH appears on regular basis….
August 30, 2015 @ 8:38 pm
I agree with Trigger and I can’t say we’ve ever even met. I do know brother Ray and have for a good number of years. In my own humble opinion, he’s as good as it gets. A troubadour for real and a fine wordsmith.
August 30, 2015 @ 8:41 pm
Yeah. This is a d’uh moment for ACL and needs to be corrected.
August 30, 2015 @ 9:19 pm
I have been listening to Ray since I was a little girl. Starting in red River New Mexico. Have been keeping up with his music for years. It would be great to here his old and new music on ACL.
August 30, 2015 @ 9:21 pm
Very nice letter Trig.
ACL has gotten very weird…they just let Dale Watson do a show so there is hope that Ray will get some of the recognition he deserves.
Now that Letterman is gone there isn’t much of a nation outlet for Americana, Alt-Country, or Red Dirt artists other than ACL.
August 30, 2015 @ 9:35 pm
That’s a mighty fine letter, Trigger. : )
August 30, 2015 @ 10:50 pm
I’ll stop watching ACL until he is put on, and pass to friends , I thought he had been on in the past, His last name is Austin. Thanks for the chance to voice option ……..
August 31, 2015 @ 4:48 am
It would be a great show for ACL. I had no idea he had never been on before. There are times I can’t even pick up PBS out here in the country, but when I can I am glued to it. Already looking forward to his appearance.
August 31, 2015 @ 11:33 pm
I would buy the DVD of RWH onACL. Get him on there.
August 31, 2015 @ 4:52 am
Good call! Go Ray!
August 31, 2015 @ 4:53 am
There’s a reason why Dave Letterman took great delight in booking Ray Wylie Hubbard so frequently; Because he’s that damn good! Austin City Limits has been serving up main courses for years now. Isn’t it about time they began serving up some dessert, too?
August 31, 2015 @ 4:54 am
And his shows are much more entertaining than watching cats with tape on their paw, dogs chasing their tails or goats standing up and walking with the devil! Oh yes! Give Ray his hour or better yet make it a special 2 hour show!
August 31, 2015 @ 5:05 am
Spot on, I couldn’t agree more. RWH has earned the opportunity.
August 31, 2015 @ 5:13 am
Great letter. I had to search the episode guide to convince myself he hadn’t been on as the primary act. It’s a wrong that needs to be set right. I respect ACL’s desire to cover more bases, but I find myself being able to tune out a lot of the time these days. Give RWH his due!
With respect to “I”™m sure that”™s one of the reasons so many of the new episodes are split between two performers…..”, from day one the vast majority of shows in a season have featured two acts.
August 31, 2015 @ 6:02 am
Ray Wylie Hubbard is as great an entertainer as there is anywhere. Yes; sure would like to see Ray do a full segment on ACl. He sure does deserve it!
Great letter “Trigger”.
August 31, 2015 @ 6:06 am
Yes.
August 31, 2015 @ 6:17 am
I have to say I am shocked as well to learn he’s never appeared on ACL. Great work on your part.
August 31, 2015 @ 6:26 am
An old friend now music buyer for a British TV channel told me about a sales team trying to market ACL in Europe a few years back. He told me “I was very interested in the first few seasons, Townes Van Zandt, Lyle Lovett, Butch Hancock, people like that, but the later ones, I can call their record labels and get all the video of these people that I want for free.” Maybe not just an Austin thing, but it’s another example of every year having to feature BIGGER names than last year. Those first few years, when the late Joe Gracey was talent buyer, really were amazing.
August 31, 2015 @ 6:28 am
Terry , Long time viewer here .I surely do hope that we get to see an episode of Austin City Limits featuring Ray Wylie Hubbard, Thanks
August 31, 2015 @ 6:36 am
Very well written and and a well stated case. Take note people. This is how you write a request. No need to threaten a boycott.
You….are a class act Kyle and I am sure your letter will get the serious consideration it deserves. Please let us know if and when you receive a response. If we all write letters like this with class respect and taste, Ray will soon be seen on ACL.
August 31, 2015 @ 10:46 am
Thank you nopaydave. If I hear anything I will certainly let folks know.
August 31, 2015 @ 7:13 am
A surprising lapse…given some of the groups who have been on twice.
I hope he appears soon, especially if he promises to sing “Snake Farm”!
August 31, 2015 @ 9:06 am
Classy letter, and good point; his mark on Austin/Texas/red dirt music history is beyond question.
August 31, 2015 @ 9:23 am
Thumbs up for Ray, and Trigg!!!
August 31, 2015 @ 9:30 am
Very nice letter, Trig.
With a few exceptions, ACL these days is pretty much a bunch of bands from multiple genres which is designed to amuse the UT professors and other effite types.
I used to never miss it 30 years ago, and now I turn it off pretty quickly almost every Saturday night.
It’s all money and commercialism these days, as evidenced by moving studios a few years ago.
August 31, 2015 @ 10:17 am
I watch Austin City Limits pretty regularly (now that I have DVR, I never miss an episode). RWH would be great on there. His music fits with everything about the show.
August 31, 2015 @ 10:57 am
Well said. It’s high time a living legend like Ray Wylie gets the respect he deserves from ACL by getting his own slot.
August 31, 2015 @ 12:36 pm
Add my vote! I saw him the other night at the ALLATX show…he was my favorite of the night.
September 1, 2015 @ 11:24 pm
I was at the showshow too and Ray Wylie Hubbard was the best. He is authentic and the real deal!!
August 31, 2015 @ 2:04 pm
Interesting and well-written articles like this are why I like reading this page.
August 31, 2015 @ 2:04 pm
This man’s contributions to the music community in Texas, Indiana and England deserve to be recognized. He keeps getting better, too. I hope he lives forever.
August 31, 2015 @ 3:03 pm
It seems impossible that ACL has not hosted a show by Ray Wylie Hubbard at some point. His music is squarely centered in Texas….and celebrates every joy, fear, desperation, and inspiration that Austin represents. Lots of folks think of Redbeck Mother…many think of Snake Farm… Some conjure up Mother Hubbard’s Blues or Drunken Poets Dream… RWL’s musical landscape runs so far and wide, it takes a state the size of Texas to contain him. Please please please grace your viewers with Ray Wylie Hubbard, and soon.
Thanks a ton,
Rick
August 31, 2015 @ 3:39 pm
LOVE RAY WYLIE HUBBARD AND HIS MUSIC!
August 31, 2015 @ 3:56 pm
I’ve seen RWH preform at the Blue Light Live in Lubbock, Tx. I wasn’t impressed with his music or his show. When I was leaving BL that night I wasn’t the only one who left unsatisfied. I believe ACL has already given him what he deserves and that’s not a headline on their show! Just because he’s been around doesn’t mean he deserves a headline on the ACL show.
August 31, 2015 @ 6:17 pm
You may have caught him on a bad night. He’s generally a fantastic performer and a crowd pleaser. Or maybe he’s just not your cup of tea.
September 1, 2015 @ 1:20 am
It’s kinda like IRONY, either ya “get it” or don’t! Regardless, he’s ONE of a kind & DOES deserve a “full segment”
August 31, 2016 @ 6:56 am
And since Howie put a disgusting made up name on here . . . I wouldn’t give much credence to his music opinion either
That might have been funny when I was 12
August 31, 2015 @ 4:38 pm
Gotta bring in some high-powered literary support. Near the beginning of John Sandford”™s terrific thriller Mad River, the hero, Virgil Flowers, is debating the question of who is the greatest living country singer:
VIRGIL FLOWERS WAS talking to Cornelius Cooper, the proprietor of the place, about who, exactly, was the best country singer in America, at that very moment. They agreed that while Ray Wylie Hubbard was a leading candidate, there was no question that it was not Ray Wylie but, in fact, Waylon Jennings, who wrote and sang the best song ever written, which was “Good Hearted Woman.” How could you be the best country singer if you weren”™t responsible for the best country song? Waylon was at a disadvantage, though, being dead. And then there was always Willie, who was the best country singer in a lot of years when Waylon wasn”™t, but at that very moment? Ray Wylie had been around a long time, too, long enough to write the National Anthem””known to downtown cowboys as “Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother.” That was good, but not nearly enough to make him the best country singer, but he”™d followed that up, many years later, with stuff like “Wanna Rock and Roll,” and “The Messenger,” and “Resurrection,” and “Snake Farm,” some genuine poetry, with a taste of blues and the salt of humor. “But in fact, it is not Ray Wylie who sings ”˜Wanna Rock and Roll”™ the best,” Cooper said, “but Cross Canadian Ragweed.” “That”™s true,” Virgil said. “But what song, right at this moment, is as good as ”˜Resurrection”™?” “But he didn”™t write ”˜Resurrection.”™” Virgil said, “No, but he sings it, and he did write . . .”
“I think we can all agree that the Texas guys write very smooth stuff.”
“In other words, not tin-eared Nashville whining violin Martha White Grand Ole Opry banjo bullshit,” Cooper said. “And at this very moment, I say Ray Wylie leads the pack””nothing against the women,” Virgil said. He held out his bottle, and Cooper hesitated only for a moment, then clinked his bottle against it, and they both said, “Ray Wylie.”
August 31, 2015 @ 8:38 pm
After reading Kyle’s letter, I, too, remembered Virgil and Cornelius’s riff. John Sandford actually follows Ray around a bit catching shows. Hope that kind of muscle helps.
August 31, 2015 @ 5:24 pm
I find it amazing to just now learn that in all these years Ray has not been featured on ASL.
He is with out a doubt an important link in the evolution and history of Austin music.
August 31, 2015 @ 5:33 pm
I vote for a Ray Wylie episode also. Great Texas musican and I’ve never attended a ACL episode. Only been to Austin once but think Texas music is great and he is definitely part of that scene.
August 31, 2015 @ 5:43 pm
Hey Kidz, yall are all wrong about Ray Hubbard never appearing on ACL…I was there, I saw it my self. My wife & I attended the last taping of ACL in the old studio before they moved over to their big megaplex (which we got to see at the first taping in the new venue). It was Robert Earl Keen with Hayes Carll opening. Hayes had Ray join him for Drunken Poets Dream. It was very cool being our first trip to see a taping, it’s amazing how small the original studio was. The show was awesome & Ray & Hayes knocked it out of the park.
Now the fact that Ray has never had his own segment on ACL is as much a travesty as the move from the old tiny studio to the new one. The show we saw was great, Carolyn Wonderland opening for Steve Miller but the feel of the deal was entirely different. Like the difference between under the trees at Luckenbach as opposed to Radio City Music Hall. 200 people or 10,000 people, I’ll go with the smaller venue every time
August 31, 2015 @ 5:51 pm
The appearance with Hayes Carll was mentioned in the letter, but I agree the original studio had a great intimate feel.
August 31, 2015 @ 5:52 pm
I’ve become aware, and more aware of Ray Wylie over the years, and just had my first chance to see him live this summer in Chico, CA. He is a consummate performer… points! He’s never been on ACL???? Why not?
August 31, 2015 @ 6:01 pm
R W H !
August 31, 2015 @ 6:17 pm
Why not RWH? Just imagine Music Fog and move that onto the ACL stage. You need to let him sing the Ballad of the Crimson Kings, and Name Droppin’ amoungst other stuff. Stuff that’s in the groove, not necessarily title tracks. Let the people decide, they buy the music, they get you your ratings don’t they? It’s about the music and not any old music, but countrified music, from Amarillo and Abilene like it used to be…peace!
August 31, 2015 @ 6:18 pm
Well said!
August 31, 2015 @ 6:36 pm
Get with the program ACL.. Ray Wylie Hubbard is a gem and would gather a large audience. I love his music and such a great lyric writer.
August 31, 2015 @ 6:36 pm
i agree, he needs his own ACL show. Not to sound too pessimistic, and I think RWH would understand, but he ain’t getting any younger, so sooner rather than later would be best. Again no disrespect to RWH
August 31, 2015 @ 6:42 pm
I have been a big fan of Ray for a while. When a group of us went to Nashville for the rock and roll marathon I noticed Ray was playing at Third and Lindsley so I purchased tickets for everyone, half of the group did not really know who he was. It was the consensus of everyone in the group that spending the evening listening to Ray was the highlight of the trip. Needless to say I hope more people get to see Ray perform his craft.
August 31, 2015 @ 6:45 pm
I got to see RWH for my 1st time in person and thought ,, hell yes I want a tee shirt, if he will sign it for 20 bucks hell yes, went up and such a gentlemen he is I said I am honered as a musician to get this and meet you, I have been watching and listiening to your music since the early 70’s he smiled and said, ” I knew there were a few of you out there……what an Honor to meet him, my Doctor noticed I had on his shirt and he had signed it, he mentioned he was also a musician and to turn on the local radio, and bang there it was your own Matt Koger….it took me back to the days on the road with my dad as he played all over and my doctor has a music room, but no RWH signiture , I told him he was missing a few,…. well not only a few, I ask if he wanted Bob Dylans ex drummer to sign an album too…….I love RWH ,,, I love His trure stories, his is just plain and simple Texan as u get///// will indeed look forward to any RWH on ACL…….got get u some RWH. enjoy, be a true texan and forget all the bs nowdays and watch and love the music through the years ……..a master of art, music , how I love it
August 31, 2015 @ 6:54 pm
Amen. Shocking that RWH has not headlined ACL. Let’s hope they listen.
August 31, 2015 @ 7:52 pm
YES !
August 31, 2015 @ 8:52 pm
The Wylie Lama. To the listeners and the writers. Long overdue. LONG overdue.
August 31, 2015 @ 9:24 pm
Nicely thought out … politely / respectfully worded.
Thanks for noticing the (unintentional) slight.
Viva! Ray Wylie Hubbard!!
August 31, 2015 @ 10:40 pm
excellent letter
could not agree more
please please please
Thank you
September 1, 2015 @ 12:34 am
Grit, groove, tone, and taste. Ray Wylie Hubbard has it in spades. His cover of Choctaw Bingo is one of my all-time favorites, Snake Farm, Rabbit, Cooler N Hell… the list goes on and on. He absolutely deserves this, and many other accolades. I have to say, though, that for the amount of talent RWH has, I kind of really like that he swims just under the radar of mainstream country. You have to seek him out to find him. That makes him what I consider somewhat a cult-type hero among those of us who go looking for music deep beneath the surface due to our discontent and indignation of the abomination they call “modern country” music.
September 1, 2015 @ 3:33 am
Yes. My support from the Netherlands.
September 1, 2015 @ 4:12 am
Having followed Ray from the old Dallas Maple street bar days thru Austin and about the country actually, the eloquence of your request deserved a big YEE HAW!
If he is good enough fer Letterman, why, he oughta be good enough for ACL
Les
September 1, 2015 @ 6:29 am
Couldn’t agree more. Though a native Texan, I’ve lived in Virginia for years. I’ve several of “snake daddies” albums, but have never had the opportunity to see him perform. Earlier this year I traveled to Raleigh, NC to see him perform at a small venue. He performed most of his old and new songs. The crowd was enthusiastic and I’ve honestly never been more entertained by an artist. Concur with the recommendation to have Ray Wiley Hubbard perform his own show (not a split bill) on Austin City Limits! Thanks you!
September 1, 2015 @ 8:29 am
It’s a shame anyone has to remind ACL to do this. RWH is a national treasure and a ratings booster, just ask Letterman. Nice letter, Trigger.
September 1, 2015 @ 9:07 am
Hell Yes!!! My first RWH show was at the Cactus Cafe and knew he was special. Seen him many times since — he is the gateway drug to Austin music.
September 1, 2015 @ 12:58 pm
I could kiss you! A big, big thank you for that very articulate letter! Ray Wylie is phenomenal and is truly a part of the fabric of the Austin music scene. Truly deserving, plus I want to see it!
Thank you
September 1, 2015 @ 1:30 pm
The undisputed highlight of my visit to Austin about ten years ago was attending a Ray Wylie Hubbard performance at Shady Grove. I can’t recall if he’d just released Growl or Delirum Tremolos, but no matter what, it was a great, great two hours of music. Not a bad song in the lot and I didn’t even know about “Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mothers” until he ended the set with it. I was there to hear “Mississippi Flush.” I was glad he came through Lexington, Kentucky during his tour for Grifter’s Hymnal, but nothing compares to watching him play to the hometown crowd who know and love him. The whole experience made me feel like I was one of the family. He’s a name that belongs right alongside Willie, Lyle, Eliza, Jerry Jeff and the rest. And I’d love to see him get his appropriate time in the Austin City Limits spotlight.
September 1, 2015 @ 2:42 pm
Full hour – no question.
And you’ll get some excellent RWH comedy bits as a bonus.
September 2, 2015 @ 7:26 am
Well put Trigger — In my opinion, Ray Wylie Hubbard is a pillar of Texas music. I can’t believe Austin City Limits hasn’t already featured him in his own show. I’ve know Ray for over 35 years and have experienced all the types of Texas music he has influenced including Progressive Country, Rock-a-Billy, Jazz and Blues — just to name a few. Over the past 50+ years, Ray Wylie has entertained audiences all over the world with various types of Texas style music —- that makes it even harder to understand why a hit show like Austin City Limits, which is in his own backyard, hasn’t recognized his accomplishments and featured him in his own show.
September 2, 2015 @ 5:40 pm
Yep gotta say Austin dropped the ball here and is just gonna keep kicking it around until they put a rightful Texas icon on that stage. RAY WYLIE HUBBARD!!!!!!!
September 2, 2015 @ 6:12 pm
Echoing the same thoughts as so many others here…how can there be an “authentic” ACL without Ray Wylie Hubbard being featured in his own segment…come on fellas…get with it and give this man the honors he deserves…VERY WELL WRITTEN TRIGGER!!! I’m ashamed I didn’t write it myself. THANKS!!!
September 3, 2015 @ 1:44 pm
This was one of those “truths we hold to be self evident,” that one of the icons of Austin music had been on ACL. That he hasn’t is wrong on many levels. Give the guy his props.
September 4, 2015 @ 12:56 pm
Great letter, so true in many ways. As somebody who has lived in New England my whole life, it hasn’t always been easy to find out about performers that are never played on what is called Country Music Radio here. One of the best parts about catching ACL every week was hearing people like Charlie Robison, Robbie Fulks, Kasey Chambers and many others for the first time. Unfortunately ACL has changed it’s focus from the type of music it showcased from the beginning to a more diverse type that probably appeals to everybody except it’s hard core audience. There are plenty of other outlets for the non-traditional ACL performers. Bring back Austin City Limits to it’s roots!!!
September 4, 2015 @ 8:25 pm
My only response is this is ART. The man does not easily translate to pop which has become our culture. I just don’t see him performing Drunkin Poets Dream or Chick Singer Badass Rockin at ACL. And really I am OK with reserving that for beers in my backyard for many years to come.
This might seem selfish but oh ^&*%$*) well.
September 4, 2015 @ 8:28 pm
My only response is this is ART. The man does not easily translate to pop which has become our culture. I just don’t see him performing Drunkin Poets Dream or Chick Singer Badass Rockin at ACL. And really I am OK with reserving that for beers in my backyard for many years to come.
This might seem selfish but oh fucking well.
September 5, 2015 @ 1:04 am
While a well penned letter, written on behalf of a great musician that I admire RWH, in regard to a cause I admire which is Good Music on the TV.
There’s one problem with this. RWH is already riding the wave of the future by his pioneering marketing and musical exposure efforts made right here on the internet high seas. Thus, RWH doesn’t need these ACL guys nor their rusted out, headed for the scrap yard, vehicle. TV is obsolete.
September 5, 2015 @ 9:44 am
We are huge RWH fans! Like everyone else cannot believe that Ray has not had the opportunity afforded to him to perform as an act on Austin City Limits. He is a fantastic storyteller and a true treasure. With all this hubbub I’m sure as I can be that ACL will in fact give Ray his spot!
September 27, 2015 @ 6:26 am
Great to see RWH gettin this attention. He is better with age, his and mine. Got tickets the day they went on sell to see him in Asheville NC. Never thought I would ever get to see him perform live. ACL pay respect to a man that is so witty, so smart, and so humble, he has earned it.
September 27, 2015 @ 7:31 pm
I moved to Austin in the late 70s. Back when you could drive down IH35 from one end of Austin to the other with no problem even in rush hour, and buy a 10 dollar hooker on South Congress in 20 minutes or less. If you didn’t have a car like myself you could stick out your thumb and get one most of the time.
My 1st place in Austin was two blocks from Armadillo World Headquarters. I didn’t even know it for the fst two months I lived here. Granted I was a flat broke Capital City Trade & Tech student at the time and heard more bands sitting out on the patio/beer garden through the walls than I did inside.
Fortunately Ray Wylie was one of the 40 or so I had money to get inside to see. He is a major player in Texas music history. He should have been on it a long long time ago. The only time I ever got in Austin City Limits was for Lightnin Hopkins. I consider myself very fortunate to have been there for that.
There was a time I watched Austin City Limits all of the time, but I no longer find it as appealing as it once was. It’s not just me, I know many others that feel the same way. It doesn’t even feel like Austin if that make any sense to you. Austin has a certain feel I got to witness decades ago that is fading away.
I hope I didn’t offend anyone. It’s only a personal opinion and observation. I miss the old Austin feel.
Drew F. ATX
Excuse typos and misuse of the English language. It’s a family tradition.
September 28, 2015 @ 5:05 am
“I”™m grateful that I get to write these old songs and travel around the world and play them for people
And they come out and hear me play
And the days that I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations
Well, I have really good days”
I think thats what Mr. Hubbarb would say about it all. Last lines in “Mother Blues”.
July 19, 2019 @ 11:43 am
In my cupboard
Listening to Ray Wylie Hubbard
July 20, 2019 @ 8:27 am
I’m put’n in my 2¢ vote for Ray Wylie Hubbard to be honored with a full hour appearance on the Austin City Limits concert show. ???????????????? Farm.
July 20, 2019 @ 8:48 am
I’ve known Ray since he played with Bugs Henderson back in the late 80s. I couldn’t agree more! Great letter!!
July 20, 2019 @ 8:51 am
As a decedent of Jack Anglin (May 13, 1916 – March 8, 1963) was an American country music singer best known as a member of the Anglin Brothers, and later Johnnie & Jack with Johnnie Wright I strongly recommend Ray to perform on ACL!
July 20, 2019 @ 9:57 am
That’s the reason I don’t watch it much anymore, their too busy putting on acts that aren’t as good or deserving as others. Maybe it’s time for a new show that features roots/americana artist. God knows there is enough talent out there that deserves to be seen and heard
July 20, 2019 @ 10:00 am
I’ve always love ACL . But , nowadays I rarely want to watch the show . I know things are going to change , but why is it almost always for the worse . It’s become about money , like everything else , NOT music ! It seems you have to be a big touring mega band to play the show anymore . It’s not about Austin or even Texas talent anymore . Much culture and quality has been lost . Trying to appeal to everyone is the culprit . Anytime you stray from your roots , there is a chance for disenchantment to occur . I would watch the show ( don’t get me started on the shows and the associated costs going on at Moody ! ) if they would get rid of the trash and book artists like Ray Wylie , Delbert McClinton , Lavelle White , Alan Haynes , Jeff Plankenhorn , Carolyn Wonderland, Shelly King , Johnny Nicholas , Eric Tessmer , Gary Nicholson , Bill Carter , Jake Andrews , Shemika Copeland , Dave Alvin , Bozz Skaggs , John Dee Graham , Ian Moore , Denny Freeman , Rocky Athas , Keller Bros , Moeller Bros. , LouAnn Barton , Derek O’Brien , Dylan Bishop , Birdlegg , Chris Duarte , Lance Lopez , John McVey , Van Wilkes , Mark May , Doyle Bramhall II , Tab Benoit , Sonny Landreth . I’m sure some these artists have been on the show before , book em again ! Before you book some weird unknown pop band . JMO !!!
July 20, 2019 @ 12:33 pm
PUT RAY ON! PUT RAY ON!!
July 21, 2019 @ 5:58 am
Agree – Put Ray Wylie on as he’s influenced so much of the Austin scene and is a true uncompromising troubadour of authenticity. Extremely well written article, Kyle!
July 21, 2019 @ 7:35 am
I like most of the other respondents had assumed that RWH had logged numerous appearances in the 40 year turn of ACL, fer Gawd Sakes, is your Booker from Delaware?
July 21, 2019 @ 11:23 am
Love, love, love Ray Wylie. Have all his albums
July 21, 2019 @ 2:27 pm
What an awesome commentary. As one who’s not seen all the shows, I’m flabbergasted that RWH, hasn’t been on solo. Absolutely, he’s more than deserving. I personally feel that Ray is the best lyricist on the Texas scene, and has been the best for some time now. Bring him on!