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I met Lyle Lovett on the couch of a Johnny Carson show back in the mid-80’s. A couple of November’s ago, he played the Wharton Center in Lansing, Michigan sharing the stage with John Hiatt, Joe Ely and Joe Clark. As a songwriter, I wanted to take a note pad and study at the feet of the masters. After catching up over a pre-show dinner, Lyle was walking back to his dressing room when he noticed my picture. He stopped dead in his tracks, turned to me, and said, “I didn’t know you played.” I immediately went into a Jack Lemmon-esque stutter, fueled by a rush of severe self-deprecation, replying, “Play? Um, well when you say ‘play’ that could mean anything right? I mean…” Lyle cut me off. “You want to sit in with us tonight?” For a brief moment, the world stopped spinning. “Yes” I heard my voice say, “and then I can die.”

Now, I tell this story because in every performer’s life, there are turning points. Moments when you realize that maybe this thing you’re doing is worth pursuing. Well it is, and I am.

Thanks Lyle.

-Jeff Daniels