Lyle Lovett

LYLE LOVETT

Date of Birth: November 1, 1957

Born in Texas to parents of German heritage, Lovett was an intelligent youth who graduated from school early and enrolled at Texas A&M University. His love of music was nourished at this time as he played at many coffee houses and a local pizza restaurant. Seven years later he left university with a degree in both German and Journalism.

From there, Lovett decided to cross the Atlantic to continue his education in Germany where both his parents had emigrated from. While in Germany he met a local country musician who got him into a music competition in Luxemburg. The experience led him to focus his attention to his music and before long, he had his own demo tape. Back in Nashville, he landed a gig as a backup vocalist for Nanci Griffith, and during the recording he presented his demo tape. The tape impressed MCA Records, who signed Lovett up with his first contract.

By 1986 his first album was released. The self-titled album was the first of over seven records - five of which reached gold status. His album, The Road to Ensenada, received critical acclaim and won the Grammy for Best Country Music Album of 1996. His music incorporates elements of country, Western, folk, swing, jazz, bebop, blues and gospel music.

Lovett made his acting debut as a singer on a beach in the telefilm, Bill on His Own. Almost ten years later, he made a memorable feature debut as an offbeat police detective in the satire The Player (1992). Other than acclaim for his work, he also captured the heart of actress Julia Roberts while on set. A year later, the two were married.

He continued to land roles in films like Short Cuts (1993), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Opposite of Sex (both 1998) and Cookie's Fortune (1999). His marriage, on the other hand, did not continue as the two officially divorced in 1995.

Other than film and telefilms, Lovett has made a number of guest appearances on series like Mad About You and Dharma and Greg.

Filmography:

The New Guy (2002)
3 Days of Rain (2000)
Cookie's Fortune (1999)
The Opposite of Sex (1998)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Bastard Out of Carolina (1996)
Prêt-à-Porter (1994)
Luck, Trust & Ketchup: Robert Altman In Carver Country (1993)
Short Cuts (1993)
The Player (1992)