He attended Texas A&M University, studying German and journalism. Lovett's music career began as a songwriter, but he soon signed with MCA Records in 1986 and released his self-titled debut album.

While typically associated with the country genre, the music of Lyle Lovett is broader in scope. His albums typically incorporate folk, swing, blues, jazz and gospel music as well as more traditional country styling.

He has won four Grammy Awards, including Best Country Album (1996 for The Road to Ensenada), Best Country Duo/Group with Vocal (1994 for "Blues For Dixie" with Asleep at the Wheel), Best Pop Vocal Collaboration (1994 for "Funny How Time Slips Away" with Al Green), and Best Country Male Vocal (1989 for Lyle Lovett and His Large Band).

Away from music, Lovett has acted in a number of films, including three directed by Robert Altman - The Player (1992), Short Cuts (1993) and Prêt-à-Porter (1994) - and The Opposite of Sex starring Christina Ricci. More recently, he has acted in The New Guy (2002). His television acting forays include Mad About You and Dharma & Greg.

Lovett's personal life was brought to the fore in 1993 when he married actress Julia Roberts. The couple divorced less than two years later in March 1995. Lovett has dated April Kimble since 1999.

His small-town life was again brought to the public's attention on March 28, 2002 when Lovett was caught by a bull and rammed into a fence before being pulled to safety by two friends on his Uncle Calvin's farm in Klein. Lovett fully recovered after six months and began touring again in the summer of 2003.

Lovett was given an Esky for Surest Thing in Esquire's 2006 Esky Music Awards in the April issue. The magazine says of Lovett: "The secret of Lyle Lovett's endurance comes down to the three C's: class, charisma and consistency. ... In the studio and on stage with his giant orchestra, he's spent two decades gracefully matching genuine songcraft with A-list musicianship."