. The Bridge The For Lovett,For and work pleasure have always The collaboration arose thoughtfully, after years excited inflict to “I’m my taste opinion and businessLovett’s savvy could afford him a That figure is defined by as much the four-time diversity influenced that’s ’s my “It’s familyLovett’s legacy spans here generations— been intertwined, so much so that the concept seem register. retirement to of “Heck, doesn’t I think been retired I’ve says. he life,” whole my imagine can’t “I doing not what I do.” Richmond and Oak Post Avenue Boulevard. customof orders from the local high-end tailor. Over time, Lovett fiddled with the shapeof yoke the and the shades the of buttons, horn among other details, until hadhe a clean, classic design that matched his taste; think sophisticated yet understated, as in Prada and cowboy boots. asked He co-ownerDavid Hamilton if his design might appeal other to customers. Lovett otheron people,” laughs. The ready-to- wear shirts, starting come in 23 different at $225, fabrics. his For part, sports he them everywhere from horse shows across the South the to L.A. set the of new FX cop drama, number other of career-stretching opportunities— something“There’s exciting about beingto able whateverdo can you says—but think he the of,” musician remains focused playing on the road. Earlier this wrapped year, he an intimate, fan- demanded acoustic tour with A&M Texas pal Robert Earl performing Keen, and he’s now his earnest tunes across the country with His Large Band. inspires Touring his writing process, says,he hinting at an upcoming album. years,the singer-songwriter has glided along his own path—somewhere along the fringes folk, of , , gospel and swing—flirting with famejust long enough sustain to his status as an figure. iconic Texas Grammy quirky winner’s and high-haired persona, which famously attracted ex-wife , as is his by it revered craft, which garnered him the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Lovett,Award in also 2007. an accomplished actor, is a differentbreed of cowboy—quiet humble, and yes, alsobut cosmopolitan and that cultured. a blend It’s can only be explained the by city that produced him. thanmusic more anything,” says, he reflectingon the breadth music and of culture with which he grew in up the small Houston-area town Klein. of Houston is diverse more than“And now I’m ever. forever getting a fresh perspective the on city.” stillhis 83, mom, lives in town—strengthened theby purchase his of farm grandpa’s in Klein, which actively he maintains. And next month connection, as his he’ll H-Town more have one dress Western shirts, line men’s of Lovett Lyle for Hamilton Shirts, hits HamiltonShirts stores on In a music industry that changes as swiftly as the technology that supports Lovett Lyle 55-year-old it, is a disarmingly steady than force. more For 30

icon—adds a line to his résumé: fashion designer. designer. fashion résumé: his to a line icon—adds Seetharam| By Tara | Cool Cowboy poet, TV star Houston and Lovett—singer, Lyle August 2013 August

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| THE LOOP | PEOPLE 46