Brandi Carlile Set to Join Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, With Bonnie Raitt Inducting and Singing in Tribute, in ‘ACL’ Season Kickoff (EXCLUSIVE)

Brandi Carlile is set to receive one of the highest honors in live music television: induction into the Austin City Limits (ACL) Hall of Fame. The ceremony will be a particularly star-studded affair, with legendary singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt officiating the induction. Raitt will not only deliver a tribute performance but will also join Carlile in a duet during a special episode of the long-running PBS series “Austin City Limits,” scheduled for taping this summer. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both artists, who share a mutual admiration that has been publicly documented over the years.

The taping is slated to take place on July 1 at ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, the iconic home studio of the series. The Moody Theater, a state-of-the-art venue in the heart of downtown Austin, has been the show’s permanent home since 2011. Highlights from the evening’s performances will be edited into a one-hour episode, which will serve as the premiere of the fall season, airing in September. For fans hoping to witness this historic event in person, tickets to the taping will be distributed through a public giveaway, with specific details to be announced on the show’s social media channels. Series representatives have encouraged fans to follow @acltv on Instagram, Facebook, and X for the latest updates on ticket availability.

“Being inducted into the ACL Hall of Fame by one of my absolute heroes — Bonnie Raitt — means everything to me,” Carlile shared in a statement. “I’m so grateful to have had such a deep and powerful connection to the city of Austin and Austin City Limits all these years — and I cannot wait to hit the Moody stage in July to celebrate this immense honor.” Raitt echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m thrilled to induct my friend Brandi into the ACL Hall of Fame. She is truly one of our most respected and impactful artists. I admire her not only for her incredible music, but for standing up for the causes and artists she’s passionate about, all while balancing her wonderful family life. I can’t wait to get to perform together for this show that has meant so much to us both.” This mutual respect was highlighted earlier this year when Raitt named Carlile one of the greatest living American songwriters in a New York Times feature, a list that included other luminaries like Paul McCartney and Joni Mitchell.

Carlile is no stranger to the ACL Hall of Fame process, having previously inducted Sheryl Crow in the episode that kicked off the 2022 season. Her history with the series is deep and long-standing; she has performed on “ACL” three times, in 2010, 2018, and 2022. Raitt’s own connection to the show is even more extensive, with performances dating back to 1984, and she was herself inducted into the ACL Hall of Fame in 2016. ACL executive producer Terry Lickona reflected on Carlile’s journey, stating, “When Brandi Carlile first stepped onto the ACL stage more than 15 years ago, it was immediately clear she possessed a rare and singular talent. The moment you hear her voice, you know exactly who it is. She will always have a home here at ACL, and now she takes her well-deserved place in the ACL Hall of Fame. Having Bonnie Raitt there to welcome her into the fold makes the occasion all the more special.”

Past ACL Hall of Fame inductions have often featured memorable pairings, though musical collaborations between the inductor and inductee have not always been guaranteed. For instance, Sean Penn inducted Lyle Lovett, Matthew McConaughey welcomed Willie Nelson, and Cameron Crowe honored My Morning Jacket. Ethan Hawke also performed the honors for John Prine. In cases where the inductor was a fellow musician, the duet was more common, as seen when Jason Isbell inducted Lucinda Williams, Don Henley celebrated Trisha Yearwood, and Jimmie Vaughan paid tribute to Buddy Guy. Chris Isaak also saluted Roy Orbison. When Raitt was inducted a decade ago, it was Mavis Staples who did the honors, setting a precedent for the kind of heartfelt, collaborative ceremony Carlile can now expect. This tradition of cross-generational respect underscores the deep cultural significance of the ACL Hall of Fame within the American music landscape.