Feelin’ Good Again: Robert Earl Keen '78 Returns to Aggieland

Singer/Songwriter Returns To Aggieland
For First Yell And His First Concert At Kyle Field

By Laura Sanders '07


“Robert Keen! Robert Keen! Can You Come Help Me For A Minute?”

On Friday, one of the great musicians to have sprung forth from Texas A&M will return to Aggieland: Robert Earl Keen ’78.

Keen and his band have performed all over Bryan-College Station, but the prospect of taking the stage at Kyle Field for First Yell on Sept. 7 has him “excited and scared!”

“[Kyle Field] is sort of hallowed ground,” he said. “I think Midnight Yell Practice is one of the most unique and must-do experiences an Aggie can be involved in. It’s somewhat hard to explain to other people who don’t have a clue what A&M is about.”

A native of Houston, Keen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Texas A&M in 1978 and then moved to Austin to start his musical career. In 1984, he recorded his first musical recording that was distributed regionally, before releasing his first national album in 1989. He’s been recording music for more than 30 years in Texas and throughout the country, but his songs are sprinkled with references to Texas A&M and Bryan-College Station, such as his house on Church Street and eating enchiladas at the La Salle Hotel.

He credits his education from the beginning.

“My education at A&M was a big part of making a transition from being a little kid to being an adult,” Keen said. “During that process I felt that A&M was a strong, stable, vibrant environment to get started in life. Since then, because the Aggie Network is so strong and global, I continue to meet Aggies almost on a daily basis. It feels like you’re a part of a great society.”

Outside of his music career, Keen has a busy schedule. He and his wife, Kathleen, have two daughters and live in the Texas Hill Country. In between family and music, Keen is working on a novel.

When asked how he balances family life with life on the road, Keen said, “I’ll have to quote the Laozi [Lao Tzu, the philosopher]: ‘In family life, be completely present.’ I think I balance my crazy life schedule. Weeks and weeks on the road [balanced] with weeks and weeks at home doing exactly what we want to do as a family.”

Keen and his band have been playing shows in Aggieland for almost the entire length of his career.

“I think we’re approaching our 20th year as a band,” he said. “That’s pretty long—longer than the Beatles!”

Even with 20 years of shows, there are some Ags who’ve never seen him live. Indeed, there are Aggies who haven’t yet heard the hilarious story of a family gathering in his song, “Merry Christmas From The Family,” or an angler’s tale of catching a toaster-size fish from the song, “Five Pound Bass.” For those of you thinking, “What should I expect from a Robert Earl Keen performance?”—we’ve got your answer:

“I think they should expect true, solid, friendly entertainment. I think that’s one of the things we offer and have provided all these years. In view of the cultural landscape, we are a really great band and we are entertaining. I’m not just up there reciting my high school poetry. I think that’s what people walk away with who haven’t seen us before—they walk away thinking, ‘Man, those guys were really good. What a great band. I had a lot of fun.’”

Aside from great tunes, the words that help make up a song are important to Keen. “I love music,” he said. “But I always thought the strength of my work was in the lyrics. So, I hope the lyrics live on.”

Coming back to Aggieland at the beginning of a new school year is a chance to reunite with old and new friends, faculty and staff—the Aggie Network.

President and CEO of The Association of Former Students Porter S. Garner III '79 recalled his favorite memory of Keen.

“Robert was one of the first people who called me when the Bonfire tragedy happened. He was instrumental in forming the Bonfire benefit concert with Lyle Lovett ’79. [Robert] picked up all of his expenses. I’d sum it up by saying Robert is a real gentleman,” said Garner.

The First Yell concert, "Texas Music - Aggie Style," will begin at 8 p.m. on Sept. 7 in the Zone at Kyle Field. Celebrating Texas A&M's entry into the SEC, the Yell Leaders and the Former Yell Leaders Association changed the First Yell tradition—now in its 13th year. Instead of comedy, this year's First Yell will feature live music. The event is sponsored by the Former Yell Leaders Association.

Joining Keen are Aggie musicians Rick Trevino ’93 and Granger Smith ’02. Following the concert is one of Texas A&M's greatest traditions, Midnight Yell Practice. Join the excitement at Kyle Field on Friday, and be sure to get your tickets as we kick off the new school year.  

“Enjoy this point in your lives,” Keen advised students. “There’s plenty of anxiety in this time of transition but do not miss a laugh every day. But do not take anything too seriously because it’s all in front of you. Everything can be repaired and fixed and there’s no mistake too great so just keep on going and enjoy it.”