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Introduction
The legendary Austin City Limits (ACL) television series is marking an extraordinary milestone this month as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the iconic music program has assembled a stellar lineup of country music’s finest talents for a special tribute event.
Among these distinguished performers was the incomparable Chris Stapleton, who graced the stage to pay homage to Willie Nelson, the true heart and soul of ACL’s remarkable legacy.
For those unfamiliar with the history, Willie Nelson played an instrumental role in launching Austin City Limits back in 1974 when he headlined the very first broadcast. Since that historic moment, no artist has made more appearances on the show than Nelson himself, with an impressive tally of 18 performances throughout the years, according to ACL’s official records.
During his appearance, Stapleton chose to honor Nelson with a deeply moving cover of “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” – one of Willie’s most beloved classics.
The original track was recorded by Nelson and released in 1980 as part of the soundtrack for the musical drama “Honeysuckle Rose.” This hauntingly beautiful ballad soared to become Nelson’s seventh #1 hit as a solo artist on the country charts. It claimed the top position for one week and remained on the charts for an impressive 14-week run.
Watch Chris Stapleton’s Heartfelt Tribute
Stepping into the musical shoes of a living legend like Willie Nelson is no small undertaking, but if anyone possesses the vocal prowess and emotional depth to do justice to such iconic material, it’s undoubtedly Chris Stapleton.
The “Tennessee Whiskey” vocalist has interpreted Nelson’s timeless compositions on several occasions throughout his career. Perhaps most notably, Stapleton delivered a stirring rendition of “Always on My Mind” during Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration – a special two-night extravaganza held at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl.
These two country music titans have shared the stage on multiple occasions. Most memorably, when Nelson was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, Stapleton joined him onstage for an unforgettable performance of the classic “Whiskey River.”
For this special ACL tribute, Stapleton was joined by legendary harmonica virtuoso Mickey Raphael, whose distinctive sound has been a signature element of Willie Nelson’s music for decades. Their collaborative performance created a truly magical moment that perfectly captured the spirit of Nelson’s original while allowing Stapleton’s unique artistry to shine through.
You can witness these two remarkable musicians performing together in the video below.