4B: Lyle Lovett
Lyle Lovett was born in 1957 in Houston, Texas. (Question 1 — Can you find Houston on a map?)
He attended Texas A&M University (they’re called the Aggies) and earned degrees in German and Journalism. He decided he didn’t want to be a journalist (a reporter) because he didn’t like asking people nosy questions.
Lyle’s first album came out in 1986. (Question 2 — How old was he?)
He wore pinstripe suits and cowboy boots. But the thing people noticed first was his hair. Maybe you can draw him after this lesson!
Mainly, Lyle’s music is considered country. But he incorporates many different styles into his sound – jazz, big-band, gospel, blues, folk, and bluegrass. Here’s one of his first songs.
He’s also known for his dry sense of humor. (Question 3 — What does that mean?) You can see it here as he introduces “That’s Right, You’re Not From Texas.” (And check out the big band and the backup singers!)
One of his influences was Bob Wills. Lyle recorded a version of Bob Wills’ song “Blues for Dixie.” Here’s the original.
And here’s Lyle singing it with another Texas band, Asleep at the Wheel.
Lyle also likes Woody Guthrie. Here he is singing Woody’s song “Deportee” with a Mexican band, Los Texmaniacs. (Question — Check out the accordion. Which state logo does it have?)
Lyle has a ranch. He likes riding horses. He also rides dirt-bikes and is a good photographer. Here’s a story from the Houston Chronicle about his photography.
Answers:
1 — Houston is a big city in east Texas.
2 — Lyle Lovett was 29 when he made his first album.
3 — A “dry” sense of humor is when someone is funny without showing any emotion.