After graduating from Central High Lyle attended Macalester College in St. Paul where he studied piano for two years under his tutor, pianist and composer, Professor Donald Betts (1929-2021).
He was soon hired by ex Ramsey Lewis bandmates Redd Holt (drums) and Eldee Young (bass) to begin touring the national jazz club circuit as Young-Holt Unlimited.
Lyle's first recording opportunity came about as the result of winning an International organ competition sponsored by the Yamaha Music Corporation in 1973.
In 1974 Lyle with wife Delores and two young sons all moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, California to pursue a music career.
In 1987 after a live audition for Atlantic Records Sylvia Rhone, Vice President of A&R, signed him to a deal which produced six albums in nine years (see discography).
Lyle continues to perform with his own band and also currently teaches and mentors jazz piano to students both privately as well as in clinics and seminars.
With George Benson With Benny Golson With Eddie Harris With Pharoah Sanders and Norman Connors With Gábor Szabó