Nanci Griffith ACL '85 full set

I know Nanci Griffith fans have been wanting this for a while and since I was devastated by her recent passing, I decided to post it in her honor. This video came from an old VHS tape that was copied from an even older VHS tape, so don't expect great quality-- but it's better than nothing, right?
The VHS to digital transfer was done courtesy of an EasyCAP device and a wonderful program called Debut Video Capture Software from NCH Software. Thanks to ACL for introducing me to Nanci Griffith.
I had met Nanci several times and she was a warm, sweet and beautiful person who affected my life more than she ever knew. God sent an angel for us to love for 68 years before he took her back home.
Thank you for so much, Nanci; rest well.

[@bearman000ify]

I remember going to see her in Boulder, Colorado in 1986. I loved her music so much and was hoping she could pull me out of the worst broken heart and darkest depression any human could have. I got there early and shared a table with a nice couple who took pity on me. Her music was just enough to save me, and to boot, when she asked if Mary Margaret was there with her husband, my two new friends stood up! You couldn't make this stuff up

[@enigmawyoming5201]

That my friend, is a GREAT story! Thanks for sharing.

[@RobertKrus]

That is wonderful! I've beena longtime fan and secretly in love with Nanci the whole time (Don't tell my wife!). Felt like I lost a soul mate when she passed.

[@einarkeyser1763]

Wow I don't know her story but now I know why we identify. I tried too save a child like me once. Betrayed in the worst ways.

[@constancewalsh3646]

This brings tears to my eyes for its beauty.

[@einarkeyser1763]

@@constancewalsh3646 Incomparable beauty, thank you. precious

[@VideoGuyHawaii]

In 1985, I had come home after a day's work, showered, made dinner, sat down in front of the TV that just happened to be tuned to my PBS station ... and this show came on. Within a few days, I had purchased her first three albums and, over the years, continued to collect them all as they were released. I absolutely love this woman. Thank you, Nanci, for all the beautiful music, your lovely voice, and the lyrical stories from your heart and soul that you shared with us.

[@tjriecke]

I did the exact same thing

[@davidfagan6930]

Like you--I did almost the very same thing-I miss her music so much, but savour her musical legacy..... Can I ask where you live (I write a journal and will not post ANYTHING you tell me online !) I am in Newfoundland, Canada--an island in the North Atlantic ocean.......are you in Hawaii ?

[@benkleschinsky]

Yes, if you don't mind saying your name. We would love to quote you in our newspaper.

[@VideoGuyHawaii]

@@benkleschinsky What newspaper? Do you have a link?

[@benkleschinsky]

@@VideoGuyHawaii I'm writing an article for an Artist Spotlight series called... If you haven't heard Nanci Griffith yet what are you waiting for? I was including quotes from fans to describe her enthusiasm and obituary, and I came across what you wrote and thought it was really good. So thought I would ask. I am a current student at UMASS Lowell. I can just leave a last name initial as well if you prefer. Thanks.

[@davidlowe8332]

I cherished what she had to say in song. She will never leave me.

[@JamesDavis-gr4xh]

Thanks for going to the trouble to dub this from your old VHS tape. My local PBS station last night aired a rerun of the Austin City Limits season finale from last February -- a compilation of some of Nanci's best performances on the show. It included only a couple of songs from this set, so thanks again for posting the whole thing.

[@kevineeverhart7869]

Our local PBS station WUSF replayed the ACL show you describe just a few days ago. I, thankfully, saved it to our DVR & then fell into this KZbin algorithm rabbit hole & haven't quite made it out yet, thank god.

[@enigmawyoming5201]

Nice job pulling this out from ancient archives! Everybody seeing this gives you a very sincere THANK YOU!! for your efforts and generous sharing with all of us.

[@cynthiadavis3749]

My life became more beautiful when I discovered Nanci Griffith! 😍

[@createone100]

Me too. So sorry I found her so late. I cannot stop listening to her voice and her amazing songs. She is singing in heaven for sure. 💖

[@johndeschenes8369]

My thoughts exactly! She has captivated me fully!

[@rosea9737]

I just discovered her thanks to chat on Mori Point, Pacifica live cam while watching a beautiful setting of Once in a Very Blue Moon.

[@howardrich3498]

True.

[@fretfix1]

Saw her in Telluride not too long after this performance. I was on mushrooms and fully unprepared for the journey her songs took me on. No better tour guide than Nanci...

[@danobrien3189]

Very few songs do it, but I was driving home when "from a distance" came on the radio, and the hairs on the back of my neck rose. It had just been released so next weekend I got what was available and attended all of her concerts in Dublin in the 90s and 00 s . She was well regarded in Ireland, and her concerts were sell outs She was a favourite of Gay Byrne, who was the host of the premier talk show, so was always interviewed .In time I would have acquired 11 of her CDs

[@Chowchowtanman]

Thank you so very much....she was and is still is a brighter, daily light for so many, like myself, in these times....thank you!!

[@gingerevans1346]

This is the Nanci my dear husband and I knew. Thank you ❤️

[@lindseyc8123]

My father recorded this performance on Beta and I used to watch it a lot as a little kid. Thanks for posting this, I feel like I'm reliving the greatest hits of childhood.

[@RobinBoBobbin]

Thank you for sharing this! I saw this when it originally aired on TV. I just fell in love with her voice. Rest in peace, Nanci. Thank you for giving your music to the world.

[@johnhughes5083]

I think this is what music from heaven sounds like!!!!! Nanci’s music catalog is astounding! Her vibrato is a joy to behold! Sadly missed!

[@sn3513]

She just might be the best singer songwriter musician of the 20th and 21st century.

[@countrymu]

On leave from Okinawa, with a Texas Redhead, pulled pan head into motel room in Las Cruces NM. And got introduced to Nanci on whatever the PBS channel A replay and been loving her music since.

[@jerryturner3997]

I'm so,so thankful...I had the opportunity to see are Miss. Griffith in concert... that style, class, beauty & pressus 💜 speaks volumes.🕊️ ☮️

[@danieljudge4787]

Couple of more thoughts.That's Lyle Lovett on backup vocals.I can't help but think of Kate Wolf when considering people taken from us too soon.

[@radiophodity]

0:09 | The Ballad of Robin Winter-Smith 4:51 | There's a Light Beyond These Woods 9:34 | Roseville Fair 12:43 | Once in a Very Blue Moon 15:32 | The Last of the True Believers 18:55 | West Texas Sun 22:38 | Spin on a Red Brick Floor

[@hadji828]

Thanks for taking the time to do that!

[@shadiestmist4522]

❤

[@shadiestmist4522]

Been there.and love it and there is lights back there in the woods❤

[@tobypuente8841]

We're the better for her. We're the lucky ones who she sang to. She's so missed

[@howardrich3498]

Yes.

[@johnboybane778]

If you didn't grow up in the 70 s and 80 s you could never know how beautiful this music is it like going home to me and people our age

[@gregoryklein2608]

This was the raw Nanci ..that I loved

[@ronaldrvvanhook1437]

I remember this on Austin City Limits. This was the first time I remember seeing Nanci. Loved her music ever since. Really like the 'ping' to that lead guitar.

[@kristieroybal4888]

Such a doll. Still wearing Bobby socks... Loved her so much. I have huge gratitude for the person who posted this jewel (that I bawled all the way through...)

[@ptsmith4660]

Nanci was special .. when others made noise, she made music.

[@danarzechula3769]

Nicely put

[@triciaoneal141]

Thank you so much for the work you put into transferring and sharing the final product.

[@janette9872]

Im going to be Nanci Griffith when I grow up, mark my words. Check again in five years, I will be singing her songs and mine too.

[@hadji828]

5 years? I don't know if we can wait that long! 🙂

[@janette9872]

@@hadji828 i have already started writing. I need to learn guitar and learn to sing. god hear me and help me!

[@fredcox6994]

Best of luck in your efforts, but I believe Nanci would advise you to be yourself. She appreciated other artists, but insisted on playing her music also. Wonderful for us she did

[@moonlitme]

@@janette9872 better to be janette9872

[@chriscastellari2071]

It's 2022 and I have missed one of the greatest singers of the last two centuries. She is just wonderful but thanks to this tape for keeping her memory alive.

[@michaelknapp8961]

1985 is the year I believe I first heard Nanci sing. I loved her voice right away and never stopped listening. So sad to hear she passed away!! She was wonderful in concert, I saw her twice. RIP ms Griffith!!!!

[@CindyBarg]

With Lyle Lovett in the backing vocals section!

[@wildrosecece]

I’ve never seen this artist. What a beautiful video, it’s almost like seeing a hidden video of Joni Mitchell. The audio is amazing. What a treat. And a quiet audience, no cell phones. Love it. Can someone put up time stamps?

[@darcybarrick9432]

Thank you! (kindly)

[@Itsabyrd1]

This has brought me so much joy - this was how I was introduced to the amazing and talented Nanci Griffith. Thank you for posting.

[@jeffschroeder357]

Wouldn't it be nice if ACL/PBS reran this and/or 1989 show she did as a tribute?

[@johndeschenes8369]

I’ve heard several versions of The Ballad of Robin Winter-Smith but this one is the best. Wish I could get it on my music service.

[@caroleenaone]

She was a long time favorite performer of mine. I miss her sweet pure vocals and harmonizing with her from the audience and in my home/ car. And I did spy Lyle Lovett singing back up vocals in there! What a treasure of a video. Thanks for posting! The world misses you, Nanci!

[@dancelzard]

And I think that's Mark O'Connor on the fiddle.....

[@johnmackinnon1026]

I came really late to listening to Griffith's music, ... what an incredible performer, the perfect tonic,she is,...

[@enigmawyoming5201]

Thank you for pointing Lyle Lovett hiding there on backgrounds. I’m not sure I would have noticed it myself.

[@TheSSMusicChannel]

I came too late to discover how superb this lady was. That voice it is country folk at its very best. Her song The flyer got me hooked on her music, its so sad it really is a crying shame she left us so so early. Far too early.

[@lindseywalker6925]

Back when talent morphed the industry.

[@Genjo_N_Mojave]

Thank you for posting this. Watching and listening to Nanci perform in her first ACL appearance, which helps to relieve the grief some of us are feeling, by reminding us of the tremendously angelic, beautiful, tranquil, and joyful music she inspired us with. This is a touch of irony, Nanci Departed in the season of not just one but two blue moons. Rest amongst the angels from whence you came Nanci! 12:49 Once In a Very Blue Moon

[@distantkc]

Thank you. Austin City Limits is how I first heard this Angel.

[@solobo5823]

Thanks so much for this. Even though it made me cry. And at the end she just walks away, leaving us wanting more. I will always love you Nanci Caroline Griffith ❤️😢😢🇺🇸

[@mt-nv4jd]

My Dad, a music teacher, said "always leave them wanting more."

[@solobo5823]

Life is a mystery, but death will have the answer.

[@RemingtonRidersMusic]

Thank you so much for uploading this. It is a great show and so good to watch it.

[@jacq-ofalltrades6964]

This was my first time seeing Nanci! Moved to Texas that year, Copperas Cove...never had cable til then and happened to catch ACL...so glad I did! Collected all of her albums from then on and was lucky enough to see her live twice...was so saddened to hear of her passing as she'd been "traveling" with me all over the world since that day in '85! Thanks for the miles and music Nanci, RIP

[@danieljudge4787]

I have never seen this performance and I thought I had seen everything that KZbin had for her.She has been a favorite of mine since I first saw her on a ACL circa 1988.What a loss to those of us who loved her "at a distance".I shall wear this out watching it.Thank you.

[@hadji828]

I really appreciate all of the views, likes and great comments from everybody. I really loved Nanci and I decided I should post this-- my very first KZbin upload-- for others that appreciated her as much as I did and are as devastated as I am. I will look through my Nanci collection to see if I have anything that hasn't already shown up on KZbin and try to post it in the future. I might have something that I've only seen parts of on KZbin and it would be perfect for Christmas-- so I may post it when it gets a little closer to that time. Also sometime in the future, I may (or may not, depending) be able to help some guitarists who want to learn some her songs, too. Please don't hold me to anything, though. UPDATE: I was going to post "A Nitty Gritty Christmas" with Nanci, Kathy Mattea and Aaron Neville as guests but I see somebody already posted a decent version of it-- so I decided to post her appearance on a 90s show called "The Road," instead; I hope nobody beat me to it!

[@AvenueH]

Thank you for posting this. I had this recorded when it aired the second time (86 or 87, not sure) on my Sony Betamax. Yeah, I always picked the wrong team. Needless to say, the machine and the tape are long gone. I thought I'd never see this again. THANK YOU!! It got me started on a long wonderful journey with Nanci Griffith.

[@hadji828]

@@AvenueH😆 I still have a Betamax, but a belt needs to be replaced in it.

[@cgg0nz0l]

Thanks for posting. Brings back good memories. In ‘85 had moved to Mandeville La. and tuned in to Austin City Limits and saw Nancy for the first time. Fell in love with Nancy and her music right then and there.

[@benkleschinsky]

I notice that Nanci's first three albums and fifth album are not on Spotify or Apple Music. These songs are great. I'm going to look for the out of print CDs.

[@williamoconnellartisancrafsman]

Very well done thank you, Philip Donnelly. Irelands Clontarf Cowboy.

[@22lyric]

I watched ACL years but only if i recognized the artist. Boy was I wrong. I'd never heard of her until her passing, unfortunately. I love her voice and hope someday I can listen to her without a lump in my throat.

[@bobmoslow4636]

Thank-You, Hadji, for this wonderful post. Nanci was a beautiful songstress., full of melodies, harmonies, short stories and genuine compassion. No time for trickster productions or record company compromises. RIP, Angel. You mean so much to so many.

[@stevethrendyle8406]

That guitarist sounds like the great Frank Reckard, who replaced Albert Lee in the Hot Band.

[@NSResponder]

There is a sweetness to Nanci's voice that I can listen to all day, every day.

[@iskanderdaraev]

Such a great voice! I am very glad one day I discovered this wonderful talented singer. She is a true gem in the history of country music. Deep gratitude for sharing this video with her!

[@catwrench3]

Of all the great story tellers that have come and gone in time, my favorite will always be a gal named Nanci Griffith. She had such a unique voice and an infectious smile. When she sang her stories you just felt like you were right there with her. I will miss you forever my Texas rose.

[@bzribee]

I had just learned of Nanci's music as the internet was beginning to be available to everyone and she was self publishing (online) a draft of a novel that took place in Texas. I read the first 3 chapters as they came out and loved her writing but then lost track and have never found this since then. GoodReads says she published 2 draft novels on her website but I can't find them. Has anyone come across these? I never see anyone write about them. Thank you for this video. Simply, completely wonderful.

[@olathestanwalker6717]

I got turned on to Tom Russel through a newspaper article that was so well written that I went out and bought his latest "Long Way Around". Listened to it 4 or 5 times that night. He sang several duets and the first two was with this woman who had the voice of an angel. Nanci Griffith. I bought one of her CDs the next day and then everything I could find. Was lucky to see her twice in the KC area. Wonderful. Cried my eyes out when I heard she passed. Seemed like such a nice lady. Thanks for posting this. Cried my eyes out again.

[@andyinoregon]

It seems like 90% of the music artists I truly love were introduced to me by Austin City Limits. Thanks, PBS.

[@AvenueH]

I have a rather long list too.

[@thereisaplace]

Completely agree.

[@santeoro]

Wonderful, also great backing vocals by Denice Franke

[@gregory6003]

Lyle also

[@lindseywalker6925]

RIP Lady

[@michaelsix9684]

I was in Austin when this was taped, she played in venues around town, so sorry now I never saw her then, so full of energy and superb songwriter

[@labgirlreed]

What a treat! Thanks so much for sharing. She had a unique voice and a lovely way with words. Hope you're able to post more in the future.

[@freemangriffin4953]

That's a very young Lyle Lovett doing harmony vocals on "Once in a Very Blue Moon". I just love Nanci! I have everything she has ever recorded! (:

[@frankjennings4022]

Love me some Texas gal Nanci. I cry when I see her videos. Wishing she were still here! 😭☺️👋

[@mzdomm]

this angel with the beautiful voice is NOW singing in heaven... RIP nancy ....and ty for this priceless post

[@AMEER-114-]

Why do you say shes in heaven?

[@mariejones8192]

Ameer Nanci Griffith died a couple of years ago!

[@UAL320]

17:45….Nanci’s trademark little growl 👍🏻

[@donnaren2]

This was the very first time I saw Nanci, and I always thought it would be impossible to watch again. Thanks again for taking the time to capture and post this video. It's a great gift to all of us who are sad at her passing.

[@HTJB60]

I discovered Nanci when I was particularly broke! Yes, I got CD's from the Libary and 'copied them'. Naughty, yes but over time I bought them and I do not regret "illegally copying them"....

[@jonplatz2929]

So good. The audio is great. Thank you for doing this. She is still my light.

[@nancystevens7447]

Is that Lyle Lovett singing along? Love Nancy’s music…

[@mcloverby27]

Maybe the best thing I have ever seen.

[@blagmate5516]

Lyle Lovett as one of your "backup" singers...priceless!

[@moonlitme]

That's some mighty serious clout...

[@JamesBrown-ro6ez]

Lyle​😳

[@jeffchastain6202]

Ive written a request to ACL to put together a tribute show for Nanci, maybe getting Emmylou to host, featuring parts of her 8 appearances on the show. Go to their website and email them!

[@hadji828]

It looks like you got your (our) wish!

[@lorraine.bernardettehoole7743]

Never heard if her till today but really enjoyed listening to the stories in music. Her legacy is still being passed on.

[@stefanoquerci266]

I am italian and I started to look for Nanci Griffith songs iust after I learned about her death. I was completely got from her voice and songs. fantastic full experience I would had the possibiliti to participate to live music experience with her

[@gregklein547]

I touched her hand and she touched my heart .

[@MayorofMoab]

What a great gift you brought us with this video. Her music has filled my life for years and I shed actual tears when I heard she passed. BTW: Did you notice that Lyle Lovett was one of her back-up singers? Amazing!

[@danarzechula3769]

Check out older vid of them singing at some picnic event

[@triciaoneal141]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@gregmaryhughes6830]

Thanks so much for putting this up. Nancy and I were born on the same day a half a continent away from each other and I've enjoyed her music and had a bit of a crush on her for many years. What a gift she was to music. RIP Nancy.

[@ricopalka8911]

Talent attracts talent! Did you notice her backers included (among others) Lyle Lovett, Mark O'Connor and Roy Huskey, Jr.?

[@BrianCormackCarr]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing this. 💗

[@theatrewithin]

A joy. With much gratitude.

[@jimdonahue5187]

She was beautiful!

[@alyorkie6]

Marvelous considering this is 3rd generation copy. Thanks hadji828 for sharing. Peace from the UK.

[@GeeBee909]

Austin City Limits should remaster and release this concert edition in full as a tribute to Nancy (they have released other shows on DVD from ACL (SRV, Roy Orbison etc...) This should be released as another in this series. ACL please consider this.

[@BookishTexan]

Is that Lyle Lovett singing backing vocals? This is a great set. Thank you for sharing it.

[@robertosborne2608]

That is Lyle!

[@mortygoldmacher]

Yes. And this was taped about a year before Lovett's debut album.

[@richardmclaughlin6444]

She says his name when introducing the band at the end

[@navyjax1128]

I loved her and the Austin music since the 1907's, that dates me. My dad was in or lead bands from the 1961 in and near there and all that. I was lucky to meet many of these pickers. I loved that she was as down to earth, with a big heart as she seemed, but she did have big dreams. Love the way she never changed, and always sung with that Texans twang, that we all loved...

[@hadji828]

Thanks for the beautiful comment-- though I'm pretty sure you meant the "1970s... " 😉

[@jezebeljones659]

When I think of Nanci Griffith's music -- I think of delicacy, beauty, wistfulness, sauciness, disillusion, toughness, reverence, generosity, humility, illusion, idealism, wildness, recklessness, decency, empathy...I don't have all day. Let's just say she was, and her music is, superb! just think of the song she wrote for Townes -- along with Steve Earle's "FT. Worth Blues;" such fitting laments for the one they, and we, revered! P.S.: Let's also add "astonishment" to that list, at just how great a bo.idy of work she leaves, and to her wondrous musicianship and perfect taste in touring mates, collaborators, and backing musicians. Love you always, Nanci.-J.Jones

[@ron9939]

This is so sweet! And thank you, hadji828, so much for the effort to post it! She was only three years older than me, and now is gone. Saw her many times. Once, her voice floated into my kitchen window when I was washing dishes one summer night, playing live at a nearby outdoor concert that I missed, or maybe I didn't. Loved her for a very long time --"my older woman, Mary Margaret."

[@WilburBeauregard]

thank you for posting. I love her music and all.

[@KeatingChick]

ACL 1985. This was when I fell in love with Nanci and her songs.

[@davidcliborne4963]

Thank you for posting this...loved it!

[@richardmclaughlin6444]

Thanks so much for posting this. I can't wait to watch it. I have had the audio on cassette that I recorded from KUT when the show aired and have listened to it so many times since.

[@urbansmokes]

i love nanci griffith so much RIP angel

[@kimsoo3057]

Thank you very much . I miss her very much.

[@HTJB60]

I've alway's thought Nanci was more ROCK than Country or Folk. Listen to that Guitarist {Philip Dunn} and the Piano ! Now, that's HEAVY. Then there's her Voice. She sure can get LOUD.... Anyway, who give's "a four letter word", Music is Music and when it's this good, one just keep's going back and listening to it, over & over.....

[@georgescheffler5249]

hearing this kind of heartfelt music, makes me feel there is hope for Texas.

[@SarahJonestoo]

💙💙💙💙 x

[@williamcole60]

thanks for posting

[@wproct11]

What a nice video! Pure Nanci Griffith at her best.

[@SheldonBilsker]

Thank you for posting this. I saw Nanci Griffith at the Vancouver Folk Festival that same year. I never heard her before and just followed her incredible voice from 100 yards away. I saw her backstage and said that I really liked her performance and she said that her CD's were for sale at the desk. It wasn't much of a conversation but I am thrilled that I got to talk to her. On another note, if I had a copy of this or any other of her old videos the first thing I would do is run them through Topaz video Enhancer.

[@tomthomas8472]

I've always gotten a kick out of how Roy Husky, Jr., stands at edge of the stage, never looking at the band, but right on top of the beat. I remember this ACL like it was yesterday.

[@lewisc215]

A very special talent.

[@thomasdungl8493]

Very fine concert ... thnx so much 4 sharing!

[@wayneprince243]

I left a 10 bedroom ocean front beach cottage (Outer Banks) to travel to Richmond to see one of my very favs. Saw her at the Birchmere twice, and then she came to Portsmouth, Va sharing the stage with her buddy John Prine. Always a great concert.