The stage was already glowing with honor and nostalgia during the Austin City Limits 9th Annual Hall of Fame special — but no one could have predicted just how magical the night would become. As Trisha Yearwood took her place among music legends with her official induction, she gave fans a moment they’ll never forget: a surprise reunion with Don Henley to perform their iconic 1992 duet, “Walkaway Joe.”
A Moment Decades in the Making
Standing before a cheering crowd in Austin, Yearwood took a moment to reflect. With heartfelt emotion, she turned to the audience and said:
“I can’t imagine being on this stage and being honored by Don Henley and not asking him if he would come up here and help me finish my portion of the show.”
And just like that, the magic was back.
Henley stepped on stage to a wave of applause, and the two launched into the haunting ballad that helped define Yearwood’s early career. Their voices, seasoned but still perfectly matched, blended effortlessly — rekindling the same emotional spark that first made “Walkaway Joe” a country classic.
More Than a Duet — A Friendship
As the final notes hung in the air, the crowd sat in quiet awe. Then came the embrace — warm, familiar, and full of respect — a fitting close to a performance that reminded fans why this song, and this duo, still resonate after more than 30 years.
Behind the song is a story of artistry and connection. Written by Vince Melamed and Greg Barnhill, “Walkaway Joe” was released in 1992 as the second single from Yearwood’s Hearts in Armor album. With Henley’s unmistakable background vocals and a cameo by then-unknown Matthew McConaughey in the music video, the song quickly soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Country charts and into the hearts of fans everywhere.
A Night to Remember
The Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, launched in 2014, honors musicians who’ve made a lasting impact on American music. Past inductees include greats like Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Buddy Guy. This year, the spotlight fell on two beloved icons: John Prine and Trisha Yearwood.
Filmed live in the heart of Austin, the special didn’t just celebrate music — it celebrated the stories, friendships, and soul behind the songs. And in that spirit, Yearwood and Henley’s reunion was the perfect punctuation mark.
It wasn’t just a duet. It was a moment of musical history — heartfelt, unexpected, and completely unforgettable.
🎶 Relive the performance that brought the house down — watch below.
