Billy Joe Shaver

The deaths of legendary Texas troubadours Jerry Jeff Walker and Billy Joe Shaver within a week of each other in October was a hard blow to fans of outlaw-country music around the world. On Saturday, "Austin City Limits" pays tribute to them both with an hourlong episode that draws from the iconic PBS show's archives.

Two of Texas’ biggest musical legends, both of whom died in October, are celebrated with an episode of vintage appearances. Last October, Texas lost two of its biggest musical legends: Jerry Jeff Walker and Billy Joe Shaver. Walker wrote some of country music’s funniest, most heartbreaking songs, including 1968’s “Mr. Bojangles.” Shaver pioneered outlaw country, writing classics like “Georgia on a Fast Train” and “Ride Me Down Easy,” recorded by Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and more — all while living up to his outlaw reputation in real life.

An outdoor concert at Lake Thunderbird circa 1982 was the first time David Fries and Texas Country Music Hall of Famer Billy Joe Shaver (1939-2020) crossed paths. Fries may be best known in Norman as proprietor of David Fries Roofing, but back then he was also musician in a band called Country Edition. They were both on the concert’s bill along with another fresh face named George Strait.