I love this spot. And I love how it came about because it defines the spirit of working at GSD&M in the 90’s. It was very entrepreneurial - if you had an idea, and put the energy into making it happen - big sky’s the limit. Here’s a bit more of the story if you care:

Summer, 1998. I amd driving home from GSD&M on Mopac (‘86 red Mustang convertible, white top down) and the song “That’s Right You’re Not From Texas, But Texas Wants You Anyway” comes on KUT. I think gosh that would be a great song for a Texas Tourism ad, HEY, we have that account. And, hey, I think the agency has worked with Lyle before.

There was a big photo in the GSDM lobby of Lyle with Mike Blair from a Don’t Mess With Texas shoot. So I made an appointment with Sue Cowen to see Mike Blair. I walked in and said ‘hey you know that song “That’s Right You’re Not From Texas, But Texas Wants You Anyway” well that would be a great ad for Texas Tourism and we have that account and you worked with Lyle Lovett do you think he’d be open to it? Mike paused, and said, “Who the hell are you?” True story. He said okay thanks, I’ll get back to you. And that was that.

About eight months later the phone in my tiny office rang, I picked it up and said,

“Hello?”

“This is Mike, he’ll do it.”

“Oh. Great. Who’s this?”

“Mike Blair”

“Oh, hi Mike. Who will do what?”

“Lyle, he’ll do the spot.”

“Oh, great. Wow. Great.”

“Alright. Bye now.”

And he hung up.

I’m sat there staring at my mac classic wondering what had just transpired. There was no script, I wasn’t on the Texas Tourism account, I wasn’t even sure if I was allowed to do this. But hey, Lyle said yes!