‘Austin City Limits’ Special To Highlight Americana Music Festival

Hosted by Americana kingpin Jim Lauderdale, the show opens with steel guitar sensation Randolph joining with two legendary gospel groups, The Fairfield Four and the McCrary Sisters, for a rendition of “Rock My Soul.” Highlights include performances by the night’s Artist of the Year nominees: Giddens showcases her powerful vocals in a performance of “Waterboy” from her Album of the Year-nominated Tomorrow Is My Turn.

Singer-songwriter Isbell, who captured top honors at last year’s awards, offers the anthemic title track of his new album, Something More Than Free, which just concluded a record-setting 20-week run in the No. 1 slot on the Americana Airplay Chart. (That marks the longest No. 1 for any album on the Americana Airplay Chart since the AMA began publishing it more than 15 years ago.) Country queen Womack performs from her critically-acclaimed The Way I’m Livin’, also nominated for Album of the Year.

The performers are backed by an all-star house band—led by Buddy Miller—and featuring Dominic Davis, Chad Cromwell, Fats Kaplin, Ian Fitchuk, the McCrary Sisters and Little Feat founding member Bill Payne.

“This event is a musical celebration that brings together the finest musicians in the world, with legendary acts and the next generation of stars,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, adding “it’s about great songs and the appreciation for the authentic sound of American roots music.”

The show was co-produced by High Five Entertainment and its President Martin Fischer and ACL Executive Producer Terry Lickona.