• Howdy folks, we hope life is treating all of you swell. It’s been a while since we’ve been filled you in on the life and times of Mr. E Style. Things with the CD have been coming along, apparently not enough from stopping Lyle from getting busy with his wife. Yes, the rumours are true – STYLE is going to be a DAD. Who would have guessed??

• The latest rumour is he hasn’t spoken to his wife since the ultrasound because he didn’t think the baby looked anything like him. Style couldn’t be contacted for a comment however everyone here at the office has no doubt that it’s his baby based on its potbelly.

• When he first found out his wife was expecting, he told us “the best thing about being a baby would be getting to hear Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Roger Miller and Alice Cooper all for the first time plus every episode of The Simpsons and Seinfeld would be new.” No one here ever thought of it that way.  We are thinking there may be an album of sarcastic children’s songs in the future.

• As for Style’s part in the Horror Movie, we are sad to announce that he’s been pulled out for legal reasons. You see, Style is a member of the Actor’s Union and he can’t work on any independent films that aren’t unionized. All of us were sad to hear this hasn’t panned out although we look forward to seeing him play a factory worker on the upcoming Renée Zellweger/Harry Connick Jr movie called “Chilled In Miami”. Style wouldn’t give us any details about that shoot other than saying “don’t hold your breath if you want to see my acting skills”.

• As for the release date for CUTTING ROOM FLOOR, it looks like the official release will be late Summer 2008. The last we heard, they are busy mixing the album. We are hoping to have audio clips posted here soon. Apologies to those who are anxiously waiting!

• SIMPSON’S MOVIE SAVES STYLE’S LIFE: OK, potentially saves his life. Style was in Minneapolis with his wife when the 35W bridge suddenly collapsed into the Mississippi River. Style had plans to be downtown via that bridge that fateful afternoon when they noticed a movie theater and decided to see what time the Simpson’s Movie was playing. Without much discussion, they decided to check out the movie instead of going downtown. Everyone is grateful for that decision and our thoughts and prayers go to all the victims, family, people and businesses affected by this disaster. Special thanks to Matt Groening for making the movie.

• Style has been cast to play a part in a feature horror movie – details to follow soon.

• It turns out “Cutting Room Floor” has been eating up way more time than anticipated. The earliest that it will be available is now late October. Please be patient, it’s worth the wait!

• Style recently was a judge for the Songwriters of Wisconsin International Songwriting Contest – Style felt honored to be asked yet a little awkward because come on, who is he to judge anyone?

• Style is performing an ultra rare series of acoustic shows at Shannon’s Irish Pub at 175 Carlton Street in Winnipeg. Come check it out! Shows will be every Tuesday in September (4th, 11th, 18th & 25th) with a start time of 10pm. Call 204-943-2302 for more info.

• Style will be performing in Thompson, Manitoba on July 26^th at Mac Lean Park for a free outdoor concert from 9-11pm courtesy of the City of Thompson. Everyone is welcome!
  

• The tentative release of Cutting Room Floor will be late September 07. Style along with the boys at Absurd Machine Studios have been working hundreds of hours recording this innovative album.

• Rumors of Style trying to get his money back recently after seeing The Beatles – Love in Las Vegas because he's from Canada and he didn't know the Beatles weren't performing live and it didn't state anywhere on the website or concert ticket that the Beatles weren't together anymore… was a joke that has gotten out of hand. The fact is someone overheard him say to an usher on the way out "I'm from Canada, I thought the Beatles were supposed to be performing" and then the usher explained to him who the Beatles were – from there the story has been blown out of proportion. He wants us to make clear that he didn't ask for his money back and that he knew the Beatles broke up long ago and that unfortunately John Lennon and George Harrison passed away along with the original Paul McCartney who died in 1966 and was replaced by the imposter formerly known as Billy Shepherd (http://digilander.libero.it/jamespaul/fc1.html).

• After years keeping this story behind closed doors, Style finally spoke to us about his seven and a half year battle with his car insurance company. As you may recall in December of '99, Style was in a car accident which caused significant damage to his left hand and wrote off his car. After years of getting the runaround, he sought out a specialist who found the problem and then performed hand surgery so he could get back to playing guitar. Unfortunately, his hand hasn't ever fully recovered and he still suffers from chronic pain.

  Up to the time of his accident, Style was performing regularly across North America at a variety of high profile stages. Since the accident, Style has kept low due to the hand surgery and ongoing therapy. Since the time of the car accident, Style has privately been fighting with Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation who have refused him any benefits for two reasons: 1) Because he couldn't prove his hand didn't have problems prior to the accident (obviously a ridiculous accusation based on his regular performances up to that date) and 2) Because he could have easily quit the music industry to become a salesperson or something else that doesn't involve using his left hand. Style thought this was a slap in the face as he has been performing in public since 1986 and couldn't just give up his musical dreams because some corporation told him to become a salesperson, so he decided to fight back.

  It turns out his battle was a waste of time as Style has recently attended his final appeal to be turned down for benefits yet again. It is estimated that he has lost over $250,000 in associated expenses and lost wages since the time of the accident.

  Style told us "MPIC is a highly unethical company. From day one, all I wanted to do was get back to work. They sent me to their doctors on their payroll who kept on telling me that there was nothing wrong with me, meanwhile, I was in hand therapy on orders from my family physician. When I went to see a hand specialist on my own accord, he found the problem and performed surgery to rebuild my hand. All along MPIC kept on telling me I am still capable of doing other work so give up the music. I thought that was an insane proposition. In the process of fighting with this con artist outfit, I couldn't believe what I found out: MPIC pays for any injuries that drunk drivers and even car thieves cause to themselves in an accident! They cover all medical expenses and if that person loses use of a limb or worse, they will give them a generous payout and they don't ever have to work again, they are just put on the same salary they had at the time of the accident. It's appalling! My problem was my injury wasn't severe enough that I lost full usage of my hand, I just obtained chronic pain and limited functionality which entitled me to nothing. This could only happen in Manitoba where they've invented 'no fault' insurance which means by signing your insurance policy you agree to whatever they decide, you can't sue them either. It's ridiculous and there are no other options for car insurance in Manitoba. I wish I could take my business elsewhere."

  Style goes on - "At one point I was in Nashville working on my book on Roger Miller and performing at the songwriter nights out there. I was told MPIC would appeal my case of me being a musician but I had to attend it in person in Winnipeg. I thought it would be a no-brainer that I would win so I postponed an interview I had lined up with Johnny Cash for my book and drove all the way back to Winnipeg for the appeal. I was expecting a settlement that would help get my music career back on track. Boy, was I off base! They told me at the appeal that it was my decision to still pursue the music career and that I was capable of doing other jobs so I was entitled to nothing. This put me in serious debt, to the point that I couldn't afford to get back to Nashville and never did get another opportunity to interview Johnny Cash, it's something I've never gotten over."

  Style is happy to report that he will be back doing what he loves once his new CD is released. I've been in therapy for years now at my expense. My hand is at the point that I can start performing again which is great because I've missed it so much.

  We found out that Style has written a song based on his experience fighting with this insurance company called Forced Unhinged - Courtesy Knobs @ MPIC. Style explains: "We've already finished the song selection for the new CD but I may work it into some shows and possibly include it on the next CD. It looks like all I've gotten out of this experience besides pain and debt is a song, which is sort of the story of my life."

  He shared with us a few lyrics: "They own a doctor called 'Big Mac K.' They give him a dollar for every ten he saves. No matter what's wrong he says 'you're OK'. Karma will get him one of these days."

  Style stopped there in frustration to say "You know, it's unreal how a corporation can be its own judge and jury. I was as fully insured as I could have been, I never thought I'd have these problems. It's sad but MPIC is set up with very similar politics to that of the old Nazi camps. They make up their own laws and the only people you can appeal them to are the people that work for the company who are obviously going to side on the favor of the corporation. Unless you actually lose a body part or a body part is completely dead, the answer is always no. I don't know how they sleep at night. They've cost me and the people close to me so much stress and pain, years of lost income and years off my career. It hurts."

• On a lighter note, Style wanted us to wish you all a Happy Belated Birthday and a safe and enjoyable summer!

• Style's been busy in rehearsals and pre-production with the gang at Absurd Machine working on Style's CD (now scheduled for release in early 2007).

• A music video is also in pre-pre-production.

• Mr. E Style is back from his Western book promo tour. Highlights included:
• An In Conversation radio special with Lisa Roberts from GX94 in Yorkton
• A 40 minute interview on the one hour Vancouver television talk show Studio 4 with host Fanny Kiefer where Style debuted his new song Looneyville
• Dozens of bookstore appearances including Vancouver (and area), Drumheller, Banff, Seattle (and area), Spokane, Billings, Fargo, etc.
• A live performance in Langley at the BC Songwriters Association at McBurney Lane
• A televised interview with DJ legend Red Robinson on BCTV
• An in studio interview on ABC's KOMO TV Evening News in Seattle

• By the way, if you're looking for a great read, check out Red Robinson's book Backstage Vancouver.

• Keep an eye out for As Seen On TV – The K-TEL Story which is airing in October. Style arranged some of the Nashville interviews featured in the documentary including Buddy Killen, Robert K. Oermann and the last interview ever given by Captain Midnight (he passed away the following day).

• Looking for some great tunes before Cutting Room Floor comes out? Check out Bob Dylan's Modern Times CD. He doesn't need your money but he deserves it.

• If you're looking for an interesting forum, check out www.freerepublic.com where a detailed review was written and Style has been answering questions regarding his book Ain't Got No Cigarettes. You will find plenty of previously unshared stories about the book and even some unpublished interview clips. Feel free to join and participate!

• Style's manager, Mr. Kitsalano (who hasn't been on speaking terms with his client in over six months) has posted some unauthorized Style related videos on YouTube. Check them out if you're the slightest bit interested:

• Check out updates scattered throughout the site including an updated bio, FAQ and Quotes (as per request).

• STYLE HEALTH SCARE: When Style's wife recently brought up the conversation of  perhaps having a baby in the near future, it's reported Style was taken to the Emergency room at the hospital to treat what they thought was a brain aneurism. It appears now that it was just a severe anxiety attack (just think what would happen if Style had a kid and had to change a diaper). Style is out of the hospital and recovering in fair condition and is scheduled to see a neurologist just to make sure everything still works. Style claims the emergency room physician instructed him to refrain from that topic of conversation for at least five years however the Mrs. isn't buying it.

• The New York Times calls Style the guy who reignited the Outlaw feud!

  Sunday Book Review
  Music Chronicle
  Published: June 4, 2006

  AIN'T GOT NO CIGARETTES: Memories of Music Legend Roger Miller. By Lyle E Style.

  When you've got a name like Lyle E Style, your only career options are playing point guard for the Kentucky Colonels circa 1973 or chronicling country music, and readers should be grateful that Style has chosen the latter path.

  In this collection of Q. and A.'s with dozens of illustrious country artists and fixtures of the Nashville scene, he ostensibly recounts the life of the musician and raconteur Roger Miller, of "King of the Road" and "Dang Me" fame, who died of cancer in 1992.

  But through a quirk of deliberate or accidental genius, what Style has actually assembled is a living document of country music in its hootin', hollerin' outlaw heyday, when the D.J. Captain Midnight ruled the airwaves, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge was the ultimate hangout and everyone, it seems, was on cocaine — even the mimes.

  Along the way, Style learns some unprescribed uses for diet pills, discovers that Miller's King of the Road Hotel may have been owned by the mob and reignites an old feud between Tompall Glaser and Waylon Jennings. As Mel Tillis says, "they're all characters or they wouldn't be in the business."
  - DAVE ITZKOFF

• Electric Recordings and Absurd Machine Records are excited to announce the co-production of Lyle E Style's Cutting Room Floor CD – it's been ten years since Style's last CD release and this one is sure to make an impact.The album is currently in pre-production and will be worked on throughout the summer. Release date is TBA.

• Style will be on a Western book promotional tour chatting about the book and doing acoustic performances tentatively in Yorkton, Sheho, Drumheller, Calgary, Canmore, Banff, Kelowna, Vancouver, Langley, Sechelt, Seattle, Spokane, Billings, Fargo and Grand Forks. Keep your eyes and ears open for Mr. E Style out West from the end of July to early August.

• On June 7, Style appeared on Manitoba's #1 morning show from 6-9am on CJOB with Larry Updike as the musical guest and to once again talk about the book, specifically the positive feedback from The New York Times (the world's largest publication). $5 from each book sold that day went to support Tim Hortons Camp Day.

• On May 21st, there was a tragic accident that took the life of Opry member Billy Walker along with his wife and two band members. Lyle interviewed Mr. Walker for Ain't Got No Cigarettes but the interview didn't make the last cut for the book. Someday, somewhere it will be made available for Billy Walker fans to enjoy. Condolences to the families, fans and friends.

• The whole team at Electric Recordings was sad to hear that Buck Owens passed away on March 25. On March 26, Style performed a musical tribute to him at the Stead annual Kidney Foundation Fundraiser. Mr. Owens' stories shared in Ain't Got No Cigarettes are some of the most interesting and entertaining. Style is extremely grateful to Mr. Owens and his staff for their support on the book and for spending time with him.

• Once again, a huge Thank You to all the good folks that have been so supportive of Ain't Got No Cigarettes – it has recently appeared in many publications around the world all giving great reviews, with more anticipated soon. Special thanks to Great Plains Publications, Anita Daher and Jenna Young for the excellent promotion and to everyone that picked up a copy!

March 2006

• We hope you are all keeping well! First off, thanks for your interest and taking the time to check out the latest news.

Style's been keeping busy promoting the book. It's been getting great reviews and feedback from all around this planet. The Satellite Cowboy Bill Mack on XM Radio was kind enough to do a spotlight on the book in February which was aired worldwide. 
 
• Style realizes that he only played a small role in Ain't Got No Cigarettes – Memories of Music Legend Roger Miller, simply acting as a means to get the word out. He wanted us to mention that without a doubt, all credit goes towards the genius, music and life of Roger Miller and the interviewees who were kind enough to participate in the book (with special thanks to the Publisher and all others involved). 


Speaking of the book, check this out:

Singer/Songwriter Lyle E Style has put together just the right type of book to celebrate and remember Roger Miller. Rather than churn out the standard biography, Style's work lets the people who really knew, admired and loved him, tell their stories. The result is a book that's sometimes hilarious, sometimes troubling and sometimes poignant, one that gives readers far more detail and insight into the Miller personality than any academic chronicle. …As distinctive as he was versatile and unusual, Roger Miller's charm and skill is wonderfully outlined in this valuable account. – Ron Wynn, American Songwriter Magazine

Here are some recent reviews:

http://countrymusic.about.com/od/bookreviews/gr/aintgotcigs.htm

http://www.countrymusicnews.ca/news.ihtml?step=2&article_id=1001

http://www.swtimes.com/articles/2006/02/17/features/features07.txt

Also, from Reba McEntire's site: http://www.reba.com/news/latest/Newsarticle.asp?idnewsarticle=552

A great radio birthday tribute to Roger featuring an interview with Style and tons of great Roger tracks is available here: http://wfmu.org/playlists/shows/17546

A podcast of extremely rare Roger tunes and an interview with Style is available here: http://www.twangtrust.ca/podcast.html

A new interview/feature from Take Country Back Magazine is featured on the main page of www.alternativecountrymusic.com.  

Also check out recent reviews in Harp Magazine, Maverick Magazine (UK), Country Music News, Take Country Back Magazine, International Musician, American Songwriter Magazine, Arkansas Times Record and more.
 

• Style is doing a concert for the Kidney Foundation in Stead, Manitoba on March 26. Feel free to drop down!

 


Style recently met up with Dwight Yoakam in Winnipeg. Dwight, as always, put on one hell of a show (well over two hours of music). Be sure to check out his new CD Blame The Vain – it's one of the best CDs released this past year. 
 
 

• Speaking of CDs, if you don't have it already, Merle Haggard put out a great CD Chicago Wind – unreal tracks on this one including Roger Miller's Leavin's Not The Only Way To Go. In a recent interview in Palm Springs, California, Style said Merle's voice is better than ever. Someone needs to put him in the studio and just keep on recording him, have him cover every song possible, no one can interpret a song as amazing as he can. Plus he's got a ton of originals that haven't been cut yet because he's too busy on the road. Don't get me wrong, it's great he's on the road but I worry about his health and I just feel the studio would be better for him in the long run and for us fans. I am extremely grateful he's still sharing his talents with the world. I can't get enough of his stuff.

• Also be sure to check out new albums by Bobby Bare, Jessi Colter, Kris Kristofferson and Style's close friend and mentor Bill Dees (available now at www.billdees.com).


If you're bored, you might find some unique photos and things at Style's new My Space place: http://www.myspace.com/56502375

Until later, stay safe and happy!

December 2005

• "Ain't Got No Cigarettes – Memories of Music Legend Roger Miller" is now officially released and is selling worldwide and is receiving great reviews. Books are available across Canada in stores, in select US stores and more are getting on board each week. Your best bet for getting the book is right here on this site! It's easy, you save taxes, it's insured, you don't have to leave your house and on request, the book will be signed personally to you.

• A dream has come true for Lyle: The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville is now carrying Ain't Got No Cigarettes in their bookstore! Style will be doing a signing there next time he's in Nashville, stay tuned.


CHECK THIS OUT: Kathy Coleman's review of the book at www.about.com

Guide Rating - 

The Bottom Line:
There are two things that characterize this book over everything else. One is Mr. Style's truly excellent, well, style, as he draws these memories out of some of the most famous and possibly intimidating people in Nashville and across the country; and secondly, Roger Miller was not only a remarkable genius, he had more people crazy about him than probably anyone else in the world. 

More reviews are posted at www.alternativecountrymusic.com

Upcoming magazine reviews to watch out for: Country Music News (Canada), Take Country Back, International Musician, Harp Magazine & Shake!

• Mr. E Style has been keeping busy performing and talking about the book on media spots on radio, television, online, newspapers and magazines internationally. More to come! Keep your eyes and ears open for upcoming appearances on local, national and international media outlets & venues.


Upcoming Signings: 
December 11 - Winnipeg: Kildonan Place – Coles Book Store 1-3 pm
December 16 - Winnipeg: Polo Park Shopping Center – Coles Book Store 7-9 pm

Upcoming Singing & Signing
December 13 - Winnipeg Millennium Library – Carol Shields Auditorium @ Noon 

Tons of stories on Roger shared, behind the scenes of writing the book and lots of music. Free admission! Books on sale for a special Christmas price!

Also on December 13 Lyle is the guest and musical guest on Breakfast TV on City TV from 6:30am – 9 am 
 

• Lyle would like to thank everyone who picked up a book, all those who shared comments on it, all of the interest by so many people from around the world, and all of the media and fans who have been so great in getting the word out. Also, special thanks to Great Plains Publications and Jenna Young for going the extra mile in promoting Ain't Got No Cigarettes. 


We won't be bugging you anymore this year, so y'all be safe now! We worry about each and every one of you and want nothing but the best for you, your family and friends but you got to do your part and look after yourselves. All the best to you and Happy Christmas & New Year! And in memory of John Lennon, Happy Xmas, war is over… if you want it!"


 

• "Ain't Got No Cigarettes" is being released in Canada in September. Available online here on this site! Worldwide delivery! US release is anticipated for Spring 2006, don't wait - get it here now!


The unofficial book launch is in Calgary at the Canadian Country Music Week at McNally Robinson on the Stephen Avenue Walk on September 10, 2005. Signing and Singing at 7 p.m. @ 120 8th Ave SW

Lyle is also anticipated to appear at various events at Country Music Week in Calgary from September 9-13 and on Calgary's Big Breakfast Show on September 12th or 13th.

The official book launch is in Winnipeg at McNally Robinson at Grant Park on September 27, 2005. Signing and Singing at 7 p.m. @ 1120 Grant Ave.

Check out all new updates throughout this site including a new bio, book info and photos!

Style was spotted working on the set of CBS's Category 7: The End of the World. Style was heard to comment that he's hoping to land the lead role on Category 8.

Check out a new interview with Mr. E Style at www.alternativecountrymusic.com

Check your local media and here for many upcoming appearances!

Update: Feb. 2005

• 2005 is shaping up to be an eventful year!


Lyle's book on Roger Miller Ain't Got No Cigarettes will be released late summer 2005 on Great Plains Publications. Note the new working title from the original Old Friends: Fuzzy Memories of Roger Miller.

Style has an EP anticipated to be released at the same time as the book with hopes of a full length CD in late 2005. Tracks being considered are originals Our Love Is Like (an Answering Machine), I Look At My Wife, a cover of Put Another Log On The Fire and his version of an uncut Roger Miller song.

Why was there no news in 2004? Mostly because Style was in pre-production for everything for 2005. He also apparently got his doctorate and was involved in the development of the study of Elapsomnia, Naturaltarianism and politics as seen on www.sticktotheright.com

Critics accused Style of cruelty while waiting in line at The Magic Kingdom late December 04 in Florida when he unknowing asked conjoined twins if they were related and then asked who was older. Style claims he didn't realize they were twins or  conjoined until they got on the ride and at that point it was too late to apologize. He also added I'm not very good at talking to kids… I just don't know what to say.

After driven crazy by thousands of crying children in The Happiest Place on Earth a.k.a. Disneyworld, Style vowed to go for a circumcision when he got back to Canada so he never has to have kids. I don't want kids, don't get me wrong there may be some good ones out there somewhere but I don't want to take my chances. …If a mistake were to happen and I did have a kid, I'd have one of those outdoor kids, kind of like out at the farm where they have outdoor dogs. 

Ironically, Lyle has just been given the honor of being the Godfather to Anna which makes her Lyle's third Godchild along with Dylan and Kanesha.

Style yet again was shunned by the Juno and Grammy committees who neglected to ask him to perform or present at this year's ceremonies. When asked to comment on the situation he said Why do you try to hurt me? and then hung up on us. 

If you are planning on getting married in Winnipeg or anywhere in Manitoba, Style is a marriage commissioner and has some dates available – anytime/anywhere/anything goes - email mrestyle@shaw.ca for details. 

Style is in developmental stages on a series of documentaries on music. Stay tuned.

• "There's nothing worse than watching your heroes die." It is with great regret we say goodbye to two huge talents: Johnny Cash and Sheb Wooley. Lyle was fortunate to spend time with both of these amazing people.

Johnny Cash had more influence on Lyle than any other artist. It was by becoming a fan of Johnny that he was introduced to other music geniuses like Roger Miller, Merle Haggard, Waylon, Willie, etc... There was nothing better than a Johnny Cash show - we hope you had a chance to see him and hopefully meet him. Johnny Cash had a presence unlike any other, there was something bigger than life about him. Everyone at Electric Recordings would like to thank Johnny for the memories, the music and for being the ultimate role model. It's just a matter of time that Johnny is nominated for Sainthood - and we mean that.

Sheb Wooley was an awesome actor, songwriter, entertainer and all-round person. He was active in the recording/film industry practically since it begun. He was a role model to many entertainers like Bobby Bare, Kris Kristofferson and especially Roger Miller who was his younger cousin. Sheb added many stories for Style's upcoming book "Old Friends: Fuzzy Memories of Roger Miller".

Just two weeks prior to his passing, Sheb sent Lyle an email "I can hardly wait to see your book... I know it will be successful..." - unfortunately, he couldn't wait, but we're sure he'll be the first to see it when it's complete. Thanks Sheb for memories, the friendship and for your many contributions to the entertainment industry.

The world is a better place because of them. They'll be missed everyday.
 

• On a brighter note: Lyle successfully got married on September 19. All went well, Angela and Style are currently in the process of living happily forever after.