One of Texas A&M’s most-famous alumni, Lyle Lovett class of ’79, is making another return to Aggieland. Lyle Lovett will be performing at Rudder Theatre on Tuesday November 3, presented by MSC OPAS.
A Houston native, Lovett was born in Northern Harris County the son of two University of Houston graduates. He carved his own path when he chose to attend Texas A&M to study both German and journalism. With his literary background, Lovett began his career in music as a songwriter.
Lovett got his start in songwriting at Texas A&M during his time as a student where he began writing with his good friend Robert Earl Keen. Lovett began performing locally, and his first ever performance was at the Basement Coffeehouse. At the time, he was part of the organization by the same name that put on weekly shows on campus. From there, he began playing all over BCS, from the MSC to a burger joint on Church Street called Dead Solid Perfect.
In 1986, Lovett signed his first record deal with MCA Records and released his debut, self-titled album. While his first album leaned more towards country, Lovett is known for mixing genres. He often uses folk, swing, jazz, blues, gospel, and traditional country in his records.
Lovett was cast into the spotlight in 1993 when he married actress Julia Roberts. The two eloped after a three-week romance, only to have the marriage fall apart after two years. The two blamed the split on career complications but remained friends after all of the paperwork. With all that he’s experienced over the duration of his career, Lovett has remained a fixture of the music scene and popular culture.
Since his initial release, he has recorded 13 more albums, debuted 21 singles, and has taken home four Grammy Awards. In 1996, Lovett won his fourth Grammy, taking home the award for the Grammy for Best Country Album for “The Road to Ensenada.” Lovett had won two Grammy’s in 1994, one for Best Country Duo/Group with Asleep At The Wheel for “Blues For Dixie,” and another for Best Pop Vocal Collaboration for “Funny How Time Slips Away” with Al Green. His first Grammy came in 1989 when he won Best Country Male Vocalist.
Lovett has also had a lucrative acting career. He has made 13 film appearances, in films such as in Johnny Depp’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and multiple stints in television series. His musical talent has also been featured in Hollywood, with more than 20 productions which have featured tracks that he has written and performed.
“The secret of Lyle Lovett’s endurance comes down to the three Cs: class, charisma and consistency,” said Esquire magazine in 2006. “In the studio and on stage with his giant orchestra, he’s spent two decades gracefully matching genuine songcraft with A-list musicianship.”
Since his Grammy wins in the 90s, Lovett has steadily released albums and toured with a more laid-back approach. His music has evolved over the years but one thing stayed the same: his trademark sound. With his smooth vocals and mixing of genres, Lovett is able to captivate audiences. Whether it is an acoustic show or a full-stage setup with his band, he continues to draw fans in.
One of his biggest inspirations in his songwriting has been his time at Texas A&M. Like many Aggies, he holds his time spent at Texas A&M near and dear to his heart. His most iconic hit about his time at Texas A&M is “The Front Porch Song,” a work that he collaborated on with Robert Earl Keen. It brilliantly demonstrates their life during their time at Texas A&M and their humble beginnings of guitar-picking on their old front porch. Most recently, Lyle Lovett received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Texas A&M, a very high honor from the university. Lovett has showed many what it truly means to be an Aggie.
Make sure you get out to the show to see a living legend and embodiment of Texas A&M culture. It is definitely not one to miss.
