There are very few times that I remember the first time I really became aware of an artist: the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, Santana in the Woodstock film. Such is the case for a guy with funny hair.
I was watching the Today show, the NBC-TV morning show, in 1989. Back when it was only two hours – it’s now four – in the 8:30 a.m. half hour. Bryant Gumbel, the co-host introduces “country” singer Lyle Lovett, at which point he, his band, and background singers performed the first two songs off his third album Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, an instrumental called The Blues Walk, and Here I Am [LISTEN]. Afterward, a perplexed Gumbel said to Lovett, “THAT was country?”
I think the IMDB post on him got it more accurately: “His albums… incorporate elements of country, Western, folk, swing, jazz, bebop, blues, and gospel music.” Soon, I went out and bought that album, which also included the Tammy Wynette classic, Stand By Your Man [LISTEN to this live version], which was later used at the end of the movie The Crying Game.
Subsequently, I purchased his first two albums, the eponymous album, which features God Will [LISTEN – and turn up the volume], and Pontiac.
Clearly, my favorite song from the Joshua Judges Ruth album, appropriately, is Church [LISTEN]. I Love Everybody, which had his then-wife Julia Roberts singing background vocals, features Record Lady [LISTEN]; Lyle and Julia had met on the set of the movie The Player.
Probably my favorite album, though, is The Road to Ensenada, with Don’t Touch My Hat, That’s Right, You’re Not from Texas [LISTEN to this live version] and an old song recorded, by, among others, the Beach Boys, Long Tall Texan [LISTEN to this version, with Randy Newman, on David Letterman’s program].
He released a number of other albums. During a less-prolific period, due to no doubt to being “caught by a bull and rammed into a fence on his uncle’s farm in Klein, Texas” in 2002, he put out Smile, a compilation of his songs from various movie soundtracks. LISTEN to I’m a Soldier in the Army of the Lord from the Robert Duvall movie, The Apostle. In addition to proving the music, he has acted in a number of films as well.
I got to see Lyle perform live once, as the headliner at the 1998 Saratoga Folk Festival; here is a wonderful review.
Lyle Lovett is an eclectic guy; I LIKE that.
ABC Wednesday – Round 9
Never heard of this musician before! Thanks to you I spent some time listening to his songs on youtube, I prefer the songs that don’t sound like country (or how I expect country to sound like). Not sure my comment makes much sense, but anyway thanks for the music š
I played God Will on the country music radio station I was working for at the time it came out. It’s one of my favourite songs, and one of the few country tunes I have any respect for at all. Lovett’s one hell of a songwriter.
Great post and great links. I love these posts and music links. Lots of fun!
Thank you Roger for the collection of Country Music. I do not know the singer but enjoyed the music. I like country music compared to the new generation kind!! :)….I even had a small collection on those old fashioned record disks and cassette tapes š We have come a long way since then!! You can never get tired of country artists!!
Who can’t Love or at Least Like Lyle Lovett?
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am sorry that I don’t know this singer, but I am sure that he must be special if you like him.
It takes a real musician to encompass all those styles and still remain true to himself. (I had forgotten about him having been married to Julia Roberts.)
Thanks for another of your very informative posts about the music world, Roger. I always enjoy what you have to say.
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittieās Guide to Adventurous Travel
Great post. I also like him in particular for being eclectic.
thanks for our interesting post. now i learned about lyle lovett.
I think you have got a great sense of humour. Loo( pronounced: Loh, like in “oh”or in “so”)is woods, but I don’t like to use it as toilet, a bit cold in winter, besides we haven’t got many woods here. The word loo( wood) is older than loo as toilet.
Itās clear that Lyle is a great musician with some charm since he was married to Julia Roberts. Funny thatās mostly what I know about him as it seemed like an odd match. š
Love et!
Another unfamiliar musician (to me) – but this give me the opportunity of opening another musical door, – thank you Roger.
Eclectic would be one word to describe him! LOL. He is certainly an odd-looking person.
I first heard of him when Julia Roberts married him. Since then, I’ve seen him many times on TV and have heard his music. I do like it!
True artist, sings what he likes and loves.
Thank you for introducing.
Please have a good Wednesday.
Hmmmnnn another personality I have never knew but now, thanks for sharing Roger and for the visit.
Now I just have to go to youtube and listen š I have heard about LL but cannot remember how he sound and I love country music š
I’m surprised so many of your commenters have not heard of Lyle Lovett. I do like
country music but I’m not the greatest follower, but even I have heard of him. You are definitely contributing to my musical education.
great choice!
I believe I heard some of his songs…:)
There’s absolutely no doubt this man is full of talent. Thanks for the fine links.
thank you for all the listens!!
I love Lyle Lovett….I could listen to him for hours. Thanks for all the information about him…
I can’t help it-everytime I hear his name I think about when he was married to Julia Roberts. That did not seem to be a suitable match from the get go. No doubt though, about his talent.
Lyle Lovett has a look of Jerry Lee Lewis, don’t you think?
Great choice! He’s a terrific musician. Unfortunately, I always think of him and Julie Robert’s when I hear him, but then the music overrules and I am able to hear only Lovett.
I don’t know if I know him, maybe I have heard songs. I never pay attention to the names, lol ! Except the famous once of course like Elvis, the Beatles, Freddy Mercury, etc.
Hello.
I had heard of Lyle before. I’ve even seen him in a few movies. He can definitely sing and his music is certainly a mix of all sorts. My favorite of the links you provided is the live version of “Stand By Your Man”.
Thanks for sharing & for the visit too. Much appreciated
The Last Kiss
He’s a new (to me) artist. I like country music so I think I’m going to like him too. Wait, he’s been married to Julia Roberts? Didn’t know Pretty Woman can sing š
Never heard of him before. Good to know about him.
First I fell in love with that hair and then, wow, that voice. Another great musician choice, Rog.
Thank you for these information. I don’t remember him but checking it out in youtube I heard his songs and love it. And I’d tell yah, he is hot now than before hahaha. (sorry for the “hot” word ^_^ peace)
I have always had a soft spot for Lyle – loved this post Roger
He looks like such an old timer. You know all I knew about Lyle Lovett is that at one time he was married to Julia Roberts for about 10 minutes. I’m on my way to check him out. š
I’d never heard of this singer but enjoyed listening to the video clips. How do you know so much?
e-mail I got today:
roger
i read your post the other day on lyle lovett and didn’t know about the randy newman duet
also surprised so many comments were left that did not know his music..oh well
this morning i got this email of a new show added at the egg
An Evening with Lyle Lovett
Saturday, December 10, 8:15 PM
One of the day’s most sophisticated singer/songwriters, Texan Lyle Lovett will perform his Grammy award winning blend of folk, country and jazz with an acoustic trio.