Bobby G's Big Stone ATX: Scott Newton

Today I sit down with Iconic Austin Photographer Scott Newton. Scott Newton is a self-taught photographer renowned for his extensive documentation of Austin's vibrant music scene. Since moving to Austin in 1970 to attend the University of Texas, Newton has become an integral figure in capturing the essence of the city's musical evolution. His work began in the early 1970s, photographing performances at iconic venues like the Armadillo World Headquarters and the Austin Opera House .

In 1979, Newton joined Austin City Limits (ACL) as the show's official photographer, a role he has maintained for over four decades. His photographs have immortalized performances by legendary artists such as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Cash, and Ray Charles . Newton's approach to photography is deeply influenced by his desire to capture the "muse" or the intangible energy he perceives in musicians during their performances .

Beyond his work with ACL, Newton's photographs have been featured in various publications and exhibitions. In 2024, a major exhibition titled Scott Newton: Beyond Limits was held at The Wittliff Collections, showcasing over 100 of his images and celebrating his contributions to documenting Austin's musical heritage . Additionally, his work is permanently displayed at the Moody Center in Austin, highlighting his long-standing impact on the city's cultural landscape .thewittliffcollections.txst.edumoodycenteratx.com+1moodycenteratx.com+1

For those interested in experiencing Newton's work firsthand, his official website offers a comprehensive collection of his photographs, including galleries dedicated to early Austin and ACL performances .acltv.com+1thewittliffcollections.txst.edu+1