Watch Billy Strings & Sierra Hull Cover A Bill Monroe Classic For ‘Austin City Limits Celebrates 50 Years’

The virtuosic bluegrass guitarist and mandolinist commemorate the program reaching the half-century mark with “Midnight On The Stormy Deep.”

By Scott Bernstein Apr 3, 2025 7:28 am PDT

Austin City Limits Celebrates 50 Years, a two-hour, primetime special, premieres tomorrow, Friday, April 4 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings). Next generation bluegrass stars Billy Strings and Sierra Hull are among those featured in the program and their stirring performance of Bill Monroe’s “Midnight On The Stormy Deep” can be viewed below.

Austin City Limits Celebrates 50 Years serves as the pinnacle of the iconic series’ golden jubilee, honoring this historic milestone with spectacular new performances, heartfelt artist interviews, legendary guests and rare, never-before-seen archival footage. The special showcase highlights the unforgettable moments that have defined ACL and influenced music and culture for generations since the television series premiered in 1975.

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Last November, the program’s home of ACL Live at The Moody Theater hosted a celebratory concert in commemoration of Austin City Limits reaching the half-century mark. Performances from the special show by Strings and Hull, Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr. joined by Eve Monsees, Indigo Girls with Brandy Clark and Cam, Lyle Lovett and Shawn Colvin, Chris Stapleton and The Mavericks will be among those featured in Austin City Limits Celebrates 50 Years.

Billy Strings grew up watching the beloved live music television series. He told the audience, “my dad recorded a lot of VHS tapes when I was a kid and a lot of them were from Austin City Limits, a lot of good music, a lot of inspiring stuff.”

While closely associated with Bill Monroe, “Midnight On The Stormy Deep” is a traditional appalachian song written by Wilhelm Hauff. Strings has covered the tune seven times at his own shows as per BillyBase.net.

Watch Billy Strings and Sierra Hull performing “Midnight On The Stormy Deep” for Austin City Limits Celebrates 50 Years below:


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Billy Strings (See 910 videos) and Sierra Hull (See 85 videos)

ACL’s next chapter continues with Charley Crockett, Waxahatchee and Thee Sacred Souls among those tapped for the initial Season 51 tapings. The episodes will start airing this fall.

Billy Strings kicks off his spring tour tonight with his first of three shows at The Amp in St. Augustine, Florida. Livestreams are available for nugs.net All Access subscribers.

Sierra Hull is touring in support of her excellent new album, A Tip Toe High Wire. Check out Billy and Sierra’s dates by scrolling below.

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