I am Lyle Lovett - Singer-songwriter

If you had a boat, what would you do?

I think I've covered that already.

Lyle, thank you for doing this AMA. I seen you last year in Detroit with John Hiatt. I was second row, and it was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Thank You!

One of my favorite songs on "Release Me" is your version of White Freightliner Blues.
My Question: What is your favorite Townes Van Zandt song, and why? And who are your favorite, mostly unknown, artists?

Thank you for coming to our show last year in Detroit. I remember the audience that night being particularly lively. There isn't a Townes Van Zandt song that isn't my favorite. Check out the music of Luke Bulla and the music of Keith Sewell, who sing and play with me. Also check out Warren Hood. They're all doing great work.

What is on your IPod that would surprise us?

I don't have an iPod. But I like music.

So who would be some choices you WOULD put on there that would surprise us?

I like all kinds of music. My first LP was Santana Abraxas.

Lyle, we were in the same class at Klein High School. (I was valedictorian that year.) Did you hate it as much as I did. (Huge longtime fan.)

Is that you, Latson?

One more: I love how active you are on facebook, and the way you take so many fantastic photos. Has photography always been a passion of yours? And, what has been your favorite location to photograph?

I started taking photos when I studied journalism at Texas A&M. I really enjoy taking pictures. Any location can be good. All you have to do is look.

Have you turned down many/significant movie roles? I've been a fan of your roles in everything I've seen, especially "Short Cuts". Yourself and Dwight Yoakam are two people I wish were in more films!

I think Dwight is a fine actor. I've known him since 1986, and we've worked together some. We have similar interests. I enjoy acting occasionally too. It's always inspiring to work with smart, talented people, no matter what they do.

We've had a chance to meet a couple of times, once at Sam's in Fairfield where you recommended the pie - and here (http://imgur.com/6akhpyE), on a rainy night after a great show in Orange.

I don't have a question, just wanted to thank you for the kindness you've shown in those times, for "she was 18, maybe", for the brief guitar refrain in the middle of "La County" that may be my favorite part of any song on the planet, and for asking me for and calling me by name when we've met. Thank you, sir. -Stephen

Thanks for your kind words, Stephen. I love the pie at Sam's. They make it homemade every day. And thanks for the pic. I can't tell which one of us looks better!

Howdy Lyle, Jimmy Broussard from the old Basement Coffeehouse at TAMU. Hope you are well my brother. Sure enjoyed our years together in Utay Hall. You should have a concert at the Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, Alabama. About 400 seats outdoors. Be Safe! Gig 'Um!

Gig' em to you, Jimmy. Put in a word for me down in Orange Beach. Alabama has a different ring to it now that we're in the SEC.

I just want to thank you for recording my friend Saylor Whites song Dress of Laces. It meant a lot to him and I'm so glad it happened before he died.

Dress of Laces has been one of my favorite songs to perform ever since I learned it from Saylor's co-writer John Grimaudo in 1978. I was happy to finally get to record it. I was sorry to hear about Saylor's passing, and I love hearing from people who knew him and loved him they way you seem to.

Do you still eat at Stracks?

Yes. What about you?

I love your cover of Friend of the Devil. Can you share a story about that song, be it a performance, how you came to that song, or your arrangement.

Jerry asked me to record it. It happened to be one I'd played for years already anyway. I used to play it with my friends Kevin Duff and Ken Appelt and their band Ten Minutes Late. They said their name came from the amount of time it took them to roll and smoke a joint.

What was the first instrument you ever played and how old were you?

My mom asked me when I was 8 years old if I might want to take guitar lessons. My second-grade teacher's husband, Chuck Wuensche, was my first guitar teacher.

What is your favorite TX BBQ stop??

City Meat Market in Giddings, Texas is my favorite stop. Get there by 11:30, because everything's gone by noon.

What is one of your most memorable moments while touring? I love your work! Thank you for taking the time to talk to us!

Every show is memorable in its own way. The best thing about playing music for me is getting to work with talented musicians and singers and having the chance to get to know them. I ride the bus with Russ Kunkel. That's a pretty cool thing to get to do.

Can you make South Texas Girl get out of my head? Seriously though, love your music and your shows. Keep doing what you're doing.

Thanks for your kind words. If you listen to my latest CD, Release Me, it might knock it out of there.

When you were hurt by the bull, were you riding it or were you just out there with it?

I was just out there with it. He didn't mean it. I've never tried to ride a bull. I don't plan to. Although I think the athletes who do are amazing.

1. Will you be performing in Los Angeles soon? 2. Have you, or will you at any time collaborate with Steve Martin?

Thanks for asking. The Large Band and I will be playing the Hollywood Bowl August 9 and 10 with Willie Nelson. I love Steve Martin. All he has to do is ask. He gave me a joke once, after a show at the Santa Barbara Bowl. I love his collaboration with Edie Brickell. She's one of my favorites too.

No record deal....your fans are still out here and willing to buy your fine music. Have you considered independent producing?

I'll keep recording, for sure. I'm just not sure yet how I'll do it. Thank you for your interest and support.

Thank you for doing this AMA!

Do you still make it over to the Collings Guitars shop often?

My father use to work over there as their accountant and always loved seeing you stop by and chat with everyone. He recalled at one point years ago that a TV show, who you were supposed to give away a guitar for, had purchased a generic make, and you stated that you would only give out a Collings to a fan.

Yes, I do still go to Collings Guitars. I met Bill Collings in 1978 when he lived and worked in Houston. We've been friends all these years, and I couldn't be happier for his success. I love to stop by his shop and see what he's up to. He's brilliant, as are his guitars.

My mom loves you. She wants to know if your leg is doing alright? She would also like to let you know she was at the show in Louisville where you swallowed a bug right before you sang.

When it comes to swallowing bugs, timing is everything. Please thank her for being at the show, and tell her I'm thankful my leg is doing great.

What is your favorite guitar?

Right now my favorite guitar is my latest Collings, a 2013 CJ-35 I started playing in February.

I just wanna say I love your work. Thanks for being awesome.

Thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to write.

Have you ever considered making a bluegrass record?

Yes. I've worked over the years with some of the most talented bluegrass musicians in the business: Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Mark O'Connor, Bela Feck, Jeff White, Chris Thile, Sean Watkins, and Sara Watkins. And Keith Sewell and Luke Bulla play and sing in the Large Band and the Acoustic Group with me now. Bruce Hornsby told me once he thinks the two styles of music that require the highest level of musical proficiency are jazz and bluegrass.

Do you still pop in to local music venues, like Gruene Hall, for impromptu performances?

Robert Earl Keen and I will be playing together at Anderson Fair Retail Restaurant in Houston May 23, as a fundraiser for venue. Tim Leatherwood, the owner, and his wonderful staff of volunteers has made sure since 1969 Anderson Fair stays open for people like Robert and me to call home.

Has anyone ever tried to take your hat?

Yes. That's why I wrote the song.

When are we gonna see a Lyle Lovett-Robert Earl Keen show? That would totally kick ass, and I would personally buy a ton of seats and bring everybody I know. And thanks for doing this AMA!

Robert and I will be playing more shows together in May. Check lylelovett.com for info. Thanks for asking.

How long have you known Robert Earl Keen? And do you have any good stories involving you two?

I met Robert in 1976. Yes. Lots.

I love your music and your foray into acting, I think you made The Opposite of Sex a much more watchable movie. Any interesting anecdotes you would like to share?

Working on The Opposite of Sex was an unforgettable experience. The writer/director Don Roos is so smart and talented and funny. The cast and crew were all really kind to me.

Lyle,

I've dragged my mom to see you 3 times now (KC and St Louis with the full band, and St Louis with Joh Hiatt). She's now a huge fan.

Any advice for songwriters to get their songs heard by some professionals?

Thanks for your awesome music.

If you're a songwriter, you are probably affiliated with either ASCAP or BMI. If you aren't, you should be. Membership Representatives from either organization are a good place to start in meeting professionals in the business. It's their job to listen to your songs.

Hi Lyle! If you could cover only 1 of Bruce Springsteen's songs, which would it be? (I think "Pony Boy" would be fantastic for you). Also, if you could have him do one of your songs, which would it be? Love you lots! Can't wait to see you again in Hyannis this summer! -Karyl Hall

I've always loved Townes Van Zandt's version Racing In The Streets. I think Bruce is great. He's been kind to me over the years.

When can I buy you dinner at Clark's the next time you're in Tioga?

I do love Clark's Bar-B-Q. They have great pie too.

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Please wish your mom well for me. Thank you for your kind story.

What is the secret to that amazing hair-do? Gel? Moose? Pomade? Fetal Skunk Grindings?

That's cold.