A documentary about an influential but often overlooked figure in Texas music is premiering at SXSW, and the legendary Lyle Lovett is there! The man with the big hat tells the story of Steven Fromholz, an unsung pioneer of 1970s Texas progressive country.
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Steven Fromholz earned the admiration of artists such as Lovett, Willie Nelson and John Denver, although he never achieved much commercial success. After later reinventing himself as a river guide on the Rio Grande, a devastating stroke wiped out his musical memory. The film brings together newly discovered archival footage, rare footage, and interviews with fellow musicians and collaborators to paint an intimate portrait of artistic resilience and the importance of legacy.
The film marks the directorial debut of Austin-based Austin Sayre. This SXSW premiere is particularly significant as he introduces the project in his hometown.
“When Lyle Lovett contacted me and asked to be in the film, I knew I had a very special project in front of me,” says Sayre. “I have never been so genuinely inspired by a person I have never met or seen in real life as I have been by Steven Fromholz.”
An amazing honor for an amazing man
The documentary features interviews with Lovett, Ray Benson, Terry Lickona, Butch Hancock and several members of the Fromholz family – including his daughters Darcie Jane Fromholz and Felicity Rose Fromholz.
“As a family, we couldn’t be more excited that Austin discovered my father’s music and decided to tell his story,” says Felicity Rose Fromholz. “We are so grateful to everyone who took part – from telling their stories about my father to helping produce the film – it’s all just amazing.”
The man with the big hat The series lasts 87 minutes and will be shown three times during SXSW. It offers audiences the opportunity to discover the story of a Texas artist whose influence reached far beyond the spotlight. Further information about the demonstrations can be found here.
