Dr. Paul A. Lovett was born in Atlantic, Iowa, April 24, 1919. He moved to Amarillo, Texas when he was 10 years old. Paul's first musical instrument was the violin, but when he found out he could play drums in the band and also make money playing drums, the switch of instruments was made. Paul's high school band director was Oscar Wise. Paul graduated from Amarillo High School in 1934, and he received a two-year certificate from Amarillo College in 1937.

Paul served five years in the U.S. Army during World War II. At one time, he was Musical Director and Conductor of the 64th Infantry Division Special Services show which toured France and Germany. In 1947, Paul returned to Texas Tech to complete his education. He received both his Bachelor of Science in Education, and Master of Education degrees from Texas Tech in 1950. He was awarded a Professional Diploma, "Specialist in Music Education", in 1956 from Teachers College, Columbia University, and in 1961, he received his doctorate from the same university.

Paul's first teaching job was in 1950 at Carroll Thompson Junior High in Lubbock. He also taught band and orchestra in Mathews Junior High, and he was teaching at Smylie Wilson Junior High when he had his fatal heart attack. Paul was always in demand to teach summer band camps and most summers he would teach in as many as three different camps.

Paul was a professional musician as well as a teacher. He was a member of Local 532 in Amarillo, Texas, Local 802 in New York, and a former member of Local 10 in Chicago. He played with various professional bands and orchestras throughout the United States. He was the leading percussion specialist in West Texas and was recognized statewide. He was a lecturer, clinician and adjudicator.

Paul was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, TMEA, TBA, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Beta Mu, Texas String Teachers Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

He died at age 43 in Lubbock, Texas on February 11, 1962. Paul Lovett lived more in his 43 years than the rest of us will live in 86 years.