Singer/ songwriter Lyle Lovett, the tall Texas gentleman known for his refreshing and cerebral style, began his career over two decades ago at the forefront of the New Country movement. Nashville was looking to stretch the framework of country music, and Lyle delivered. This Soundstage performance, which features Lyle's February release "Smile: Songs From the Movies" shows that the four-time Grammy winner is still pushing borders and charming audiences with his bluesy serenades and deadpan wit. "Smile," a compilation of American cinema hits covered by Lyle, reveals a sideline to his musical career -- film. In the past decade, Lyle appeared in films like "Short Cuts," "Ready to Wear," "Cookie's Fortune," and "The Opposite of Sex." He also has created or contributed to several soundtracks including "Dr. T & The Women," "Hope Floats," "Quiz Show," "Stuart Little" and "Toy Story."

Lyle, who grew up outside of Houston, studied journalism and German at Texas A & M University. The artist admits that he never worked as a journalist, or had a conventional job. In the late 70's, Lyle began his musical career playing gigs at coffeehouses and folk festivals. After growing success in the early 80's, Lyle made his major break in 1986 with his critically acclaimed, self-titled debut album. Lyle's interest in music stretches far back. At the age of 7, he made his first performance at a school talent show with "Long Tall Texan." Lyle plays that song, again, nearly 40 years later on Soundstage. The evening, like the artist himself, is a dynamic and pensive peek into Lyle as a musician, performer and person. For audiences, it is an invigorating testament to Lyle's signature blend of country, rock, folk, jazz, swing, gospel and blues.