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Buzz Knight
Taking a Walk what happens when the Texas prairie meets a well worn melody? And wit rides shotgun with every lyric. I'm Buzz Knight and on today's Taking a Walk, we'll lace up our boots with the legendary Lyle Lovett, a man who's been taking listeners on extraordinary journeys for decades. One unforgettable song at a time. Join me as we wander back roads and backstage halls with with the Grammy winning storyteller whose music captures the heart of American life. Whether he's spinning tales about love horses or the places he calls home, Lovett's world is as wide as the Texas horizon itself. So step outside with us cause you're gonna take a walk with Lyle Lovett. You never know what stories you'll find around the next bend.
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Lyle Lovett
Please welcome aboard the Johnson family.
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Taking a Walk Podcast
Taking a walk.
Buzz Knight
Hi Lyle.
Lyle Lovett
Hey, Buzz. Buzz, how are you?
Buzz Knight
I'm very well, Lyle.
Lyle Lovett
How are you? Fine, thanks. You're very kind to have me.
Buzz Knight
It's a pleasure having you on. Taking a walk. We're gon about the large band and the acoustic group. You got so many live shows to talk about.
Lyle Lovett
But I'm a little disappointed that we're not actually taking a walk.
Buzz Knight
Let's go take a walk.
Lyle Lovett
Have you ever done one of these where you. Where you do it? Where you do you do you see Kevin Nealon's podcast is Hiking with Kevin. It's we should do this. We should actually do you walk?
Buzz Knight
Yes, I would love that. I've done it a few times. I was out at Jorma Kaukonen's fur piece ranch and we got to take a walk over there. And I was out at Peter Himmelman's place in upstate New York. So whenever possible I like an in person walk. Lyle and I would be honored one time to do it wherever it worked for you.
Lyle Lovett
That'd be fun. Yarmouth. What a. What a great character he is. And man, just so good. I opened for him years ago. There's a great club in Houston called Rockefellers and it was in The Old Heights, State Heights was a neighborhood in Houston Heights State bank. And the Kreiners turned it into a. A 300 seat listening room. And they used to have national touring acts. And I was back in the, you know, in the early 80s. I was a. One of the local opening acts that they would call regularly and, and I got to open for a gosh of, you know, plethora of different types of performers and, and it was always fun. But one, one time I got to open for, for, for Yarma. And I hadn't seen a picture of Yarma. I didn't know Yarma. And there was very little backstage area. There's just sort of one green room that led onto the stage. And I remember getting there early because I was opening act and I saw a guy in blue jeans and a black T shirt carrying a guitar and an amp coming into the building. And I said, are you with Yarma? And because he looked like a crew person, you know, I said, are you with Yarma? And he looked, he kind of looked around, he looked both ways and, you know, sort of to make sure, as if to make sure, you know, and he said, I am Yarma. And he was really nice. I love it. I love it.
Buzz Knight
Well, other than you and I taking a walk, which would be a dream come true, is there anybody else that you would love to take a walk, walk with, living or dead, that would be an experience to cherish.
Lyle Lovett
Oh, gosh, you know, I get to take a walk, you know, figuratively and literally sometimes with people like that, all the time, you know, that people, people. It's all about the people, isn't it? People are fascinating and, and everyone has a story. Everyone, you know, everyone's life unfolds in an individual way. And I just, you know, find it really interesting to talk to people and, you know, especially, you know, as I get older and I talk to people who are my age to hear their interpretation of events and how events of the world and events of their lives affect them and then to ask people, so what does that, you know, what does that mean to them? You know, how does all that, you know, how does all of that that's happened to someone make them feel about life in general? And the, you know, things that people talk about, the things that are important to people always come back to the same basic things, you know, love and family and I mean, those, those are, seem to be the most important things to people. And, and I, you know, I find, I find people wonderfully consistent and, and then wonderfully, subtly different from One another. And there's just. I think talking to anyone is an education. I think. I think everybody in this world that you happen to talk to can be that one person that gives you an insight that you'd never had before.
Buzz Knight
And the consistency is a really important thing that you mentioned. And I find another piece of this I want to see if you agree with. You also find where passion plays in to what either the. Every person is thinking about or an author, an artist, musician, their passion for their, their work and their art, and then additionally the incredible resilience that they have through ups and downs, the way the world goes. Would you agree with that, Lyle?
Lyle Lovett
Well, you know, I don't know whether it's resilience or, you know, this, this mindset that says, no, I have to do this. This is what I have to do. It's almost, almost an inability to do anything else. And when you see that quality in someone, I'm. When I. When I see that quality in someone, I am always inspired. I'm inspired by their feeling compelled to do what they do. You know, I think it's as much about that as it is about a determination in terms of navigating whatever obstacles the world throws in your way. I think it's, you know, it's almost, you know, rather than, Rather than being a bulldozer going down the street, knocking obstacles out of the way. The artists that seem to be successful and well adjusted are more like a stream of water that simply flows its way around obstacles and to get to the end. So there are different approaches, certainly, but, you know, the kind of person that I would rather be myself would be more that stream of water that flows through and makes it to the end more effortlessly. Just thinking about water, I mean, brings to mind that, you know, the flooding that we've had down in Texas and how devastating that is. So that can, you know, a stream of water is one thing, but. But a flood like that, man, I'm sorry, I'm just getting off track. But, but that, you know, that, that, that there, there is a quality of, you know, persistence that I think any artist of any type has to have. You know, you don't really have to work at the persistence because, because what you're doing is important enough to you to just never stop. It's not a matter of saying. Saying I have to be persistent. It's more a matter of, you know, I don't know what's going to happen, but I can't stop doing this.
Buzz Knight
I do want to touch on the conditions that you and you know, friends and family are keenly aware of in Texas these days. You know, the horrible story that we see and, and, and visualize and know about is so terrible and, and so just, you know, frightening. What can you tell us about the condition of things now?
Lyle Lovett
Well, you know, people are, are, you know, try trying to. It was just a, a memorial service on Monday in our neighborhood that was, you know, it was so, so many people were there, it was so supported. My wife April was able to go, I was, we were playing Grand Rapids, Michigan, but for, for an eight year old girl who was swept away in her cabin and she was the granddaughter of neighbors of ours and, and who we're close with and, and it, you know, feeling that and, and having eight year old children ourselves, you know, you feel the impact of that especially. And you know, all I can, all I can think is how her father, her father spoke beautifully at the service, April said, and you know, how he could even speak at all is beyond my imagination. And you know, you, I can't help but think about how, you know, how those families will never be the same and think also, you know, how I have no idea how I would respond in that kind of situation. I have no idea what that would do to me. So it's really thinking about the tragedy and the community in general has been devastated and it's wonderful to see the support that the community is rallying to help these folks. My friend Robert Keene is doing a fundraiser with some really Wonderful Artists on 28 August. I'm part of, I've been invited to be part of four different fundraisers earlier in August. George Strait has already done a fundraiser. You know, people started, musicians and performers started wanting to help immediately. And I haven't spoken to a single performer who hasn't just said, sure, count me in. Most performers are in a better position to, to donate their time and their performances to try to get people out, people out who can actually financially support the organizations who are trying to help than they can financially support themselves. But I don't know of a single musician or performer who hasn't said, yeah, just sign me up, whatever I can do. And it's a wonderful thing to see. But none of that, none of that and none of that wonderful humanity that comes from a tragedy makes up for the loss that actually happened. And I think all we can do as people in the world is be sensitive to the people who've lost people or lost their homes, lost everything they had. All we can do is be sensitive to them and be sympathetic to them and to help them however we can. But nothing we can do, you know, would ever come close to making up for their loss in the first place.
Taking a Walk Podcast
We'll be right back with more of the Taking a Walk podcast.
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I Heart Podcast
Okay ladies, when I said we came.
Lyle Lovett
To play, didn't I mean it?
I Heart Podcast
This Disney cruise got me feeling like a queen.
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Lyle Lovett
Have a meet and greet with Black Panther. Ooh, I love him.
I Heart Podcast
And I can't wait to sunbathe on the private island.
Lyle Lovett
And the kids will be fine. Girl, they're good. Exactly. While they hang in the kids club with Mickey Mouse, we can do our thing. Mm. And do it well all day. Disney Cruise Line is where we came to play.
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Taking a Walk Podcast
Welcome back to the Taking a Walk podcast.
Buzz Knight
L what have horses and your love of the countryside taught you about patience and art and life?
Lyle Lovett
I I've learned so much from horses, animals in general. You know, I grew up on my, my grandfather's farm. My grandfather had retired by the time I came along but, but his sons ran a dairy farm on the on the place and, and also grew vegetables and there was always something to do. You know, there was always work to be done. And even as a little boy I and my cousins were offered, you know, offered jobs to go and pick vegetables or help in the dairy barn. You know, just to do anything. And I appreciate that. My uncles, my extended family who all lived there on part of the the farm place. My mom was one of seven children and my grandparents offered each one of their children an acre or two to build homes on so that everyone would be close. So that's the sort of family environment I grew up in. I was an only child, but I was, you know, 300 yards from my grandparents and my aunts and uncles and a dozen first cousins and, and so I always felt as if I was from a big family. But there was, there was, there was always plenty to do and, and patience. I I one of the, one of the great horsemen that I had the privilege of working with, but not, you know, not until I was in my, gosh, in my. My 40s. But. But retired world champion bronc rider named Bill Smith, and he just passed away on the 1st of June this year. Cody. Bill Smith is. He was from Cody, Wyoming, and he got interested in horsemanship after he retired from rodeo and started attending Ray Hunt clinics. And you know, just, just the wisdom, the wisdom he had in working with horses is so applicable to humanity as well. But, but he used to say, you asked me about what I. What, you know, what did I learn about patience and what I learned about patience. And one of. Bill Smith always put it so succinct, succinctly. He said, you know, people say that you need to have patience in working with horses. He said, but, you know, he said, you only have to have patience when nothing's happening. He said, with horses, there's always something happening. You just have to notice it. And that I thought was so wise because in this world in general, I mean, you really don't have to have patience because there's always something happening. You just have to see what it is. You just have to notice what's happening. And if you pay attention to everything that's happening, you know, you don't have time to be patient because there's always something to do. That's, that's what I learned from in the farm life. I mean, there is always something to do. There's always something you can do better. And you know, in general, when you're, when you're working with, with animals or you're working with, you know, crops, if you do the right thing, you'll get the result you're looking for. If you do the right thing, the right thing will happen. I think that's the, that's, that's the biggest lesson that I learned growing up on the farm. Do things the right way. I appreciate the process of what I do more than I value the end result. I mean, I hope my goal is to make a living for me and my family, but it is also to work with people whose company I enjoy every day, who I respect as people who I look up to. And I am fortunate and blessed to work with people I feel that way about on stage and off. Members of the band are people that I admire and look up to greatly, but also members of our production crew, who we count on every day are people that I admire and look up to. How they, you know, the family people they are, how they, how they negotiate the difficulties. As I Do, you know, having to be gone from home more than we'd like to be and how we, you know, how we have, you know, we respect our jobs and what we're doing and they're people that I greatly admire and how, you know, how important it is every day to make sure we're doing things the right way for the people who are showing up at night for the show, you know, we depend on and, you know, are grateful for those people that come to support us because that ultimately that's our only measure of whether or not we get to keep our jobs. Those people that, that show up at.
Buzz Knight
Night, when you think of the way their lives are through personal challenges in their life and the way the world is today, tell me how it makes you feel when, you know, this community has come together to come to a show at night to see either the acoustic side of you or the large band side. What does it mean seeing that community every night out at an on when you're on stage?
Lyle Lovett
Well, you know, feeling the support of, of people that, you know, pay money to come to come here. Here, what you do, see what you do is a tremendous feeling. I mean, it is a, it's the permission to, to keep going and, and no, it's, it's a wonderful feeling. You know, in my early days of performing, I started playing out when I was 18 years old in 1976, and I played anywhere that someone, you know, would let me. Any restaurant, hamburger joint, pizza joint that wanted live music as a part of their atmosphere, I would gladly play anywhere and had my own little PA that I could set up. And I was happy to be, to be playing anywhere and you know, for any kind of, any kind of money. I mean, I, I played A. For two years, I played two or three or four nights a week at a Mr. Caddy's Pizza in College Station, Texas. When I was, you know, in school there, live music was part of the atmosphere, but live music was not the point. You know, people didn't come there just to hear me. I mean, a few people may have in the old days, but mainly people came there to, to have pizza. I mean, you know, eventually you developed a little bit of a local audience, but I played another place for a two year period. It was a hamburger joint. It was my very favorite hamburger joint in College Station owned by a fellow named Cersei Bond. It was called Dead Solid Perfect. He put two thirds of a pound of meat on every hamburger and they were delicious. But. And he had, the only music he ever featured was, was Me on Sunday nights from 6 to 8. And he paid me, actually in hamburgers. So I got eight. Eight hamburgers, you know, for every gig that I played there. So I, you know, I had a hard time eating that many myself. So I was, I had, I had a, you know, a tab built up of hamburgers available to me. And, and so I could, you know, take my buddies to lunch. I could go there kind of whenever I wanted and treat my friends, which was, you know, which was a great feeling. So I played places was not the point early on. And I always thought about, wow, what would it be like. What would it be like to play someplace where people, you know, they come to hear you because they want to hear you? You know, they're not just coming there for pizza or they're not just coming there for a hamburger. They actually are coming there on purpose to hear you. And I used to think about that all the time and think about what a great feeling that must be. And all these years later, I am able to realize what a great feeling that is. And I appreciate it every time that the band and I, whatever the band is with the band, every. Anytime the band and I step on stage, I appreciate those folks that come.
Buzz Knight
Well, folks can go to Lyle Levitt.com to see the multitude of dates that you are playing.
Lyle Lovett
You.
Buzz Knight
You rode Warrior U. And there's tickets available while looking on your website. And you're, you're. You're on the road for a long time, sir, so there's a lot of opportunities for folks to get to see you. But this has been a thrill talking to you, Lyle.
Lyle Lovett
It's nice talking to you, Buzz, that the, you know, playing music. And I, I think most recording musicians are, you know, in the, in the same state as I am. You know, most, most recording artists make their living playing, playing live shows these days. You know, the idea of making a record and, and having a record sell enough to just support you without going out, I mean, that's just, you know, unless you're selling crazy, crazy numbers that very few recording artists in this day and time sell. Most performers make their living playing live and, and I have consistently, you know, played 90 to 100 dates a year over the course of my career, which, which means that I'm home more than I'm gone. And also when I'm home, you know, I'm really home. I don't have to go to an office. I don't have to be away from my family, which is sort of how I measure value these days is, you know, Is it. Is it. Is it worth. Is it worth being away from my children, you know, who are eight years old now? I mean, a day away means I don't get to take them to school and pick them up. So it's, it's a, you know, it's a pretty high bar to have to be as important as that, you know, but, but. But playing on the road is how we make a living. And, and I'm grateful to the people who, who support us. Where. Where are you calling from today, Buzz?
Buzz Knight
I am in the suburb of Boston known as Carlisle, Massachusetts.
Lyle Lovett
Oh, yeah. Well, the end. And the Boston area is. Has been, you know, and New England in general has been great to me over the course of my career. I love. Boston's just one of the great cities in the world, isn't it? I love to. And I've gotten to take. A couple of summers ago, I was there. My family was with me on tour there, and we, we walked around the Boston Common and, you know, had a wonderful time walking the. Some of the old streets of Boston, but New England, we'll be in Lowell, Mass. This summer in a couple of weeks. But, but we. Boston, Boston, New England is, you know, we. We get there once a year. You know, it amazes me, really, because I spent most of my. My youth growing up. We didn't. My parents both worked. We didn't travel a lot. We had. I can think of only a couple of trips where we flew somewhere when I was growing up to. To take a. Take a family vacation. So I didn't start seeing a lot of the country until I started traveling to perform. And I always love coming to New England.
Buzz Knight
You are a gem, Mr. Lovett. It's an honor to speak with you.
Lyle Lovett
Thanks for having me on Buzz, and I appreciate your, you know, helping me get the word out to your audience. And for any of you folks listening, thanks. Thanks for listening. Come see us.
Buzz Knight
Anything for you, Lyle. Thank you so much.
Lyle Lovett
Thank you, Buzz.
Taking a Walk Podcast
Thanks for listening to this episode of the Taking a Walk podcast. Share this and other episodes with your friends and follow us so you never miss an episode. Taking a Walk is available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Lyle Lovett
There's a time and a place for a filet of fish, but breakfast is for sausage biscuits. McDonald's breakfast comes first. Please welcome aboard the Johnson family.
Disney Cruise Line
The whole fam's here for the Disney cruise. So, you know, we came to play and listen. The adults are gonna have a ball first. We're chilling in the infinity pool, onto massages at Sense's Spa, then gliding into Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge for a toast. We're even going to kick back with Mickey on Disney's private island. That's how we get down, cuz Disney Cruise Line is where we came to play.
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Podcast Summary: "Takin' a Walk" Episode Featuring Lyle Lovett
Podcast Information:
In this heartfelt episode of "Takin' a Walk," Buzz Knight welcomes the esteemed Grammy-winning musician, Lyle Lovett, to delve into Lovett's rich journey through music history. The conversation promises an exploration of Lovett's stories, songs, and deep-rooted Texas heritage, painting a vivid picture of his influence on American music.
Buzz Knight [00:00]: "Join me as we wander back roads and backstage halls with the Grammy-winning storyteller whose music captures the heart of American life."
Lyle Lovett reminisces about his early days as a performer, highlighting the humble venues where he first shared his music. From playing at local pizza joints to earning his living through relentless live performances, Lovett emphasizes the importance of connecting with audiences on a personal level.
Lyle Lovett [07:00]: "I played anywhere that someone would let me. Any restaurant, hamburger joint, pizza joint that wanted live music as a part of their atmosphere, I would gladly play anywhere."
One memorable anecdote involves his time opening for Yarmo (likely a reference to Yarmuth or a similar artist), showcasing the camaraderie and unexpected connections formed in the music scene.
Lyle Lovett [05:15]: "I got to open for Yarmo, and he was really nice. I love it."
Buzz and Lyle delve into the core elements that drive artists: passion for their craft and the resilience to navigate the inevitable ups and downs. Lovett shares his perspective on resilience, likening successful artists to a "stream of water" that gracefully overcomes obstacles rather than forcefully bulldozing through them.
Lyle Lovett [09:54]: "The artists that seem to be successful and well-adjusted are more like a stream of water that simply flows its way around obstacles and to get to the end more effortlessly."
He further elaborates on the innate persistence artists possess, stating that for many, continuing their work isn't a matter of necessity but sheer compulsion driven by passion.
Lyle Lovett [12:22]: "It's almost an inability to do anything else. And when you see that quality in someone, I am always inspired by their feeling compelled to do what they do."
A poignant segment of the conversation addresses recent tragedies in Texas and the profound impact they have had on the community. Lovett reflects on a memorial service for an eight-year-old neighbor, underscoring the collective grief and the overwhelming support from local artists and performers.
Lyle Lovett [12:49]: "The community has been devastated and it's wonderful to see the support that the community is rallying to help these folks."
He highlights the solidarity within the music community, with artists like George Strait leading fundraising efforts to aid those affected. Lovett emphasizes the importance of sensitivity and support, acknowledging that while assistance can alleviate some suffering, it cannot replace the irreplaceable losses endured.
Lyle Lovett [16:24]: "All we can do is be sensitive to the people who've lost people or lost their homes, lost everything they had."
Transitioning to personal insights, Lovett shares how his upbringing on a farm and his experiences with horses have shaped his understanding of patience, art, and life. He recounts lessons learned from Bill Smith, a retired world champion bronc rider, whose wisdom extended beyond horsemanship to broader life philosophies.
Lyle Lovett [20:20]: "Bill Smith always put it so succinctly. He said, 'You only have to have patience when nothing's happening.' With horses, there's always something happening. You just have to notice it."
This analogy reinforces Lovett's approach to life and music—staying attentive and adaptable rather than being rigid or forceful.
Lovett reflects on the evolution of his live performances, contrasting his early days playing for pizza lovers with the profound satisfaction of performing for dedicated fans who attend shows specifically to hear his music.
Lyle Lovett [25:45]: "In my early days of performing, live music was not the point. People didn't come just to hear me; they came for the pizza or the hamburgers."
He expresses deep gratitude for the unwavering support of his audience, acknowledging that their presence and enthusiasm provide the essential encouragement that allows him to continue his musical journey.
Lyle Lovett [26:14]: "Feeling the support of people that pay money to come to see you is a tremendous feeling. It's the permission to keep going."
Throughout the conversation, Lovett emphasizes the delicate balance between his demanding career and his commitment to family. He shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of touring and the immense value he places on being present for his children.
Lyle Lovett [30:00]: "I have consistently played 90 to 100 dates a year over the course of my career, which means that I'm home more than I'm gone. And when I'm home, I'm really home."
This balance underscores Lovett's priorities, highlighting his dedication to both his art and his loved ones.
As the episode draws to a close, Lovett speaks warmly about his experiences touring New England, particularly his fondness for Boston. He expresses excitement about upcoming performances and the enduring love he holds for cities that have supported him throughout his career.
Lyle Lovett [33:06]: "I always love coming to New England. Boston is just one of the great cities in the world, isn't it? I love to walk around the Boston Common."
He extends heartfelt thanks to Buzz Knight and the listeners, encouraging fans to attend his shows and continue supporting his music.
Lyle Lovett [33:16]: "Thanks for listening. Come see us."
This episode of "Takin' a Walk" offers an intimate glimpse into Lyle Lovett's life, blending stories of his musical journey with personal reflections on community, resilience, and the lessons learned from his Texas roots. Through engaging dialogue and heartfelt anecdotes, Buzz Knight and Lyle Lovett create a rich tapestry that celebrates the enduring spirit of an American music icon.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
Buzz Knight [00:00]: "Join me as we wander back roads and backstage halls with the Grammy-winning storyteller whose music captures the heart of American life."
Lyle Lovett [07:00]: "I played anywhere that someone would let me. Any restaurant, hamburger joint, pizza joint that wanted live music as a part of their atmosphere, I would gladly play anywhere."
Lyle Lovett [09:54]: "The artists that seem to be successful and well-adjusted are more like a stream of water that simply flows its way around obstacles and to get to the end more effortlessly."
Lyle Lovett [12:22]: "It's almost an inability to do anything else. And when you see that quality in someone, I am always inspired by their feeling compelled to do what they do."
Lyle Lovett [12:49]: "The community has been devastated and it's wonderful to see the support that the community is rallying to help these folks."
Lyle Lovett [16:24]: "All we can do is be sensitive to the people who've lost people or lost their homes, lost everything they had."
Lyle Lovett [20:20]: "Bill Smith always put it so succinctly. He said, 'You only have to have patience when nothing's happening.' With horses, there's always something happening. You just have to notice it."
Lyle Lovett [25:45]: "In my early days of performing, live music was not the point. People didn't come just to hear me; they came for the pizza or the hamburgers."
Lyle Lovett [26:14]: "Feeling the support of people that pay money to come to see you is a tremendous feeling. It's the permission to keep going."
Lyle Lovett [30:00]: "I have consistently played 90 to 100 dates a year over the course of my career, which means that I'm home more than I'm gone. And when I'm home, I'm really home."
Lyle Lovett [33:16]: "Thanks for listening. Come see us."
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting Lyle Lovett's journey, philosophies, and personal insights, making it informative and engaging for both longtime fans and new listeners.