Hailing from the Lone Star State, Robert Earl Keen has honed his craft as one of Texas’ most accomplished singer-songwriters over the past three decades. With 21 records and thousands of concerts on his resume, REK’s poetic musings delivered through Americana melodies have impacted audiences far and wide. We put the country-western crooner in the HotSeat ahead of his August 10 show at The Paramount Theater.
Name: Robert Earl Keen
Age: 21+
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Job(s): Dock worker, roughneck, secretary, kitchen boy, railroad commission, [working for] Hatch Show Print (the oldest printing press in America), long-haul car driver for transport, book seller. But the real job and the best job is a long-time performing artist. It’s a great life if you can make it work.
What’s something about your job that people would be surprised to learn? Sometimes there are songs that are recorded and never looked at again. But then a fan requests that song, and I don’t remember it and I’m stumped! So I have to cheat really quick to learn it on the spot.
What is music to you? Music to me is a trip down a really colorful winding road to a spiritual summit where no one else is. You can feel all the pleasures of the universe.
First concert you attended: I have a half brother who moved to California, and he played the drums. They did a concert at the local high school and they played “Wipe Out.” I thought that was the coolest experience ever. Also I blew off my prom to go see Willie Nelson at The Half Dollar in Houston, and that was a top night as well. Everyone just danced and drank the night away. Way better than my senior prom.
Last concert you attended: Other than my own, I saw Tyler Childers in Austin, Texas at The Moody Center. Outstanding show!
Favorite venue or city to perform in: The Birchmere is my favorite venue, but New Orleans and cities in the Southeast really have a hunger for Americana music. It’s a fertile ground for a songwriter like myself.
Why is supporting music education important? Anyone that loves music can answer this question. There is more to music than listening to music in your car or in your house. It’s a spiritual experience. Music is a universal magnet that pulls us all in.
What are you listening to right now? “Feelin’ Alright” by Joe Cocker. I listen to it every day and multiple times. I feel like it applies to me! It’s a way to get the day started.
Go-to karaoke song: Allegedly I have done karaoke, but I don’t remember it. But if I had a choice I would sing a really old country song—“Saginaw, Michigan” would be a good choice.
Are there any superstitions you abide by? I do have some stupid ones but don’t talk about them much. But an example is when I’m playing a room, and something really “feels wrong” about it, I won’t play it again. No fear of the typical black cats or spilled salt, but [after] a premonition dream with a symbolic snake or a fox, I would avoid those!
Proudest accomplishment: Proudest accomplishment objectively is my two daughters. My oldest—when she was 5—she won the Miss Apple Dumpling Beauty Contest. It knocked me out of my chair and I was so proud.
Describe a perfect day: Sitting down at a flatwater pond and fishing and sitting in the shade without a care in the world watching the day go by. Not even having to catch a fish! It’s such a solitary thing to do. Add a novel and a blanket and it’s complete, watching the clouds go by.
If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?
A pint of Guinness, a lifetime supply of Guinness, and then another pint of Guinness.
Do you have any pets? I have my superdog Roadie, the two most beautiful orange cats in the world Handsome and Ransom, and three donkeys. Our Western Chill graphic novel features Zane and Mack—myself being Zane. Mack is my dog in real life and he is a real smartass and telepathic in the novel.
Subject that causes you to rant: People that design our highways and transportation. TXDOT!!
Best journey you ever went on: When I was young, my parents loved to go to Mexico. We went in my Dad’s 1973 Cadillac Eldorado and drove from Houston to Acapulco and it was incredible.
Next journey: Palo Duro Canyon.
Favorite word: Favorite word currently is “loud” when you are talking about smell. When something is very pungent, calling it “loud.” Using loud as describing a smell just gets me.
Hottest take/most unpopular opinion: “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John is a great song.
What have you forgotten today? Eating healthy.