Little Feat
| Company type | Rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Lowell George, Roy Estrada, Bill Payne, Richie Hayward |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Little Feat is a rock group originating from Los Angeles, established in 1969 by lead singer and guitarist Lowell George, bassist Roy Estrada (both previously part of the Mothers of Invention), keyboardist Bill Payne, and drummer Richie Hayward. By the end of 1972, the definitive lineup featured George, Payne, Hayward, bassist Kenny Gradney, guitarist and vocalist Paul Barrere, along with percussionist Sam Clayton. Creative disagreements led George to dissolve the band shortly before his passing in 1979. The remaining members revived Little Feat in 1987 and have continued performing since.
Early stages
Lowell George first connected with Bill Payne during their tenure with Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention. Together, they founded Little Feat in 1969, recruiting former Mothers bassist Roy Estrada and drummer Richie Hayward, who had played in George's earlier band, The Factory. Hayward was also part of the Fraternity of Man, known for their contribution to the Easy Rider soundtrack. The band's name was inspired by a remark from Mothers' drummer Jimmy Carl Black about George's "little feet," with the alternate spelling "feat" paying homage to the Beatles.
Two narratives exist regarding Little Feat's inception: one claims Zappa dismissed George after hearing his song "Willin'" because he believed George was too gifted to remain in the band; another suggests his exit was due to drug-related content in the song. George frequently referenced "Willin'" as the cause for his departure. On October 18, 1975, at New York's Auditorium Theater, he introduced the track by stating he had been asked to leave for "writing a song about dope."
Regardless of the reason, Zappa assisted in securing a deal with Warner Bros. Records. Their debut album, primarily recorded between August and September 1970, was released in January 1971. Following an injury to George’s hand during "Willin'," slide guitar parts were performed by Ry Cooder. This injury is alluded to on the cover of their 1998 album Under the Radar. "Willin'" was re-recorded featuring George on slide guitar for their sophomore album, Sailin' Shoes, which showcased cover art by Neon Park, who continued producing surrealist artwork for Little Feat until his death in 1993.
During these early sessions, members along with former Mothers drummer Jimmy Carl Black supported soul artist Nolan Porter on his debut record, No Apologies. Both albums received critical praise, and "Willin'" became a classic tune, further popularized through its inclusion on Linda Ronstadt's Heart Like a Wheel.
Despite favorable critiques, Sailin' Shoes did not achieve commercial success, prompting Estrada to leave for Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band; he also cited a desire to escape Los Angeles pollution and urban life.
Definitive lineup and stylistic evolution
By late 1972, Little Feat reassembled with bassist Kenny Gradney replacing Estrada. The group expanded from four to six members by adding guitarist Paul Barrere, an old friend of George’s from Hollywood High School in California, and percussionist Sam Clayton, sibling of session vocalist Merry Clayton. Barrere and Clayton also contributed vocals alongside other band members.
This refreshed lineup steered their sound toward New Orleans-style funk. They produced Dixie Chicken (1973), one of their most celebrated albums highlighting New Orleans influences, followed by Feats Don't Fail Me Now (1974), which sought to capture their live performance energy.
In 1973, Payne, Gradney, Barrere, Clayton, and Lowell George collaborated with jazz drummer Chico Hamilton on his Stax release Chico the Master, emphasizing their funk and R&B tendencies. That same year, Little Feat also supported Kathy Dalton on her Amazing album under Warner Brothers. Due to disappointing sales figures, the band disbanded once more in late 1973; Payne joined the Doobie Brothers, while Hayward worked with Ike Turner.
The group reunited in 1974 and released Feats Don't Fail Me Now later that year. Lowell George also provided backing for Robert Palmer on his Island Records debut Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley (1974) and contributed to Palmer's 1975 release Pressure Drop. The band participated in Palmer’s 1976 album Some People Can Do What They Like, although George and Gradney were absent. In March 1976, Little Feat served as the backing band for the first half of Akiko Yano’s debut album Japanese Girl. Based out of Los Angeles, they balanced performing with extensive session work.
The 1975 album The Last Record Album marked a transition toward jazz-rock fusion driven by Barrere and Payne. Drummer Richie Hayward’s motorcycle accident delayed recording sessions; his hospital bills were featured on the LP sleeve. A last-minute track substitution removed Barrere’s "Hi Roller" from this release but included it on their following 1977 album Time Loves a Hero.
Lowell George continued producing music but contributed fewer compositions as the group embraced jazz fusion—a genre he found less appealing. In August 1977, Little Feat recorded live performances at London’s Rainbow Theatre and Washington D.C.'s Lisner Auditorium, resulting in Waiting for Columbus, widely regarded as one of rock’s finest live albums despite studio overdubs on George’s vocals and slide guitar parts. Released in 1978, this coincided with George's waning enthusiasm and health issues within the band.
Passing of George and dissolution of the band
Little Feat had initiated work on Down on the Farm before disbanding in 1979. Just days before his passing, Lowell George explained in an interview that the band's breakup stemmed from its collective leadership style, which ultimately gave Payne and Barrere excessive control over songwriting and production decisions. George expressed disapproval of Payne's jazz/fusion ventures, recalling a particularly awkward television jam session with Weather Report. He intended to revive Little Feat without the involvement of Payne and Barrere.
Under a contract signed in 1975, Warner Bros. released George’s sole solo effort, Thanks, I'll Eat It Here. This album, mostly composed of cover songs, was a side project George undertook primarily to support Little Feat financially. He deliberately avoided presenting it as a new solo direction.
In June 1979, at the age of 34, George succumbed to a heart attack while promoting his solo album during a tour stop in Arlington, Virginia.
The band members who remained finalized and released Down on the Farm later that year. In 1981, they followed up with Hoy-Hoy!, a double compilation featuring rare studio outtakes and live recordings that highlighted Little Feat’s legacy, including their rendition of Hank Williams' "Lonesome Whistle." Between 1981 and 1982, Barrere, Clayton, Gradney, and Hayward performed under the name "Barrere, Clayton, Gradney and Hayward," accompanied by singer/guitarist Phil Brown.
Barrere produced two solo albums: On My Own Two Feet in 1983 and Real Lies in 1984. Drummer Richie Hayward contributed to Robert Plant’s 1985 funk/new wave project Shaken 'n' Stirred. During this period of inactivity for the band, Payne remained an active session musician and songwriter, collaborating with artists such as J. J. Cale, the Doobie Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Pink Floyd, Bob Seger, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, and Stevie Nicks. Notably, he appeared on Raitt’s 1977 album Sweet Forgiveness, which included his composition "Takin' My Time."
Fuller era (1987–1993)
In 1986, Hayward, Barrere, and Payne contributed to Blue Slipper, the debut album by Helen Watson released in 1987; they also appeared on her follow-up record The Weather Inside. The following year saw the reformation of Little Feat by surviving members Barrere, Clayton, Gradney, Hayward, and Payne alongside songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Craig Fuller from Pure Prairie League and versatile musician Fred Tackett. Having previously toured with Fuller in 1978, the band welcomed him without holding an audition. The lineup’s first album together, Let It Roll, achieved significant success propelled by Fuller's commanding vocals and songwriting contributions—he co-authored eight out of ten tracks and led most vocal performances. The single "Hate to Lose Your Lovin'" became their inaugural No. 1 hit on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Critic Stephen Erlewine remarked on the album’s unexpected yet impressive reception. By February 1989, Let It Roll had earned gold certification. This revival also stimulated sales of earlier works: the 1978 live album Waiting for Columbus attained platinum status in November 1989, while the 1973 classic Dixie Chicken was certified gold that same month. The band enjoyed increased visibility including an appearance on Saturday Night Live and embarked on nationwide tours with sold-out shows.
Their subsequent release, Representing the Mambo (1990), was their last under Warner Bros., which expressed reservations about its jazz-oriented elements. The third album featuring this lineup, Shake Me Up (1991), was issued by Morgan Creek, which also released the soundtrack for the 1992 film White Sands, containing Little Feat’s track "Quicksand and Lies." Following Morgan Creek’s closure, Little Feat cycled through various labels before establishing Hot Tomato Records in 2002. Late in 1991, Clayton missed multiple tour dates due to health issues.
Fuller departed in 1993 to reduce touring demands and prioritize family life. He later rejoined a reconstituted Pure Prairie League, playing a significant role on their well-received 2005 album All in Good Time. Fuller performed approximately 40 shows annually with PPL until leaving in 2011; he also made occasional appearances with Little Feat and pursued solo engagements during this period.
Murphy years (1993–2009)
In September 1993, Shaun Murphy succeeded Fuller as the band's vocalist. Prior to joining, Murphy had contributed to recent Little Feat records and toured during 1993 with Bob Seger's ensemble, which included Fred Tackett and Bill Payne. Her debut album with Little Feat was Ain't Had Enough Fun. Possessing a strong vocal presence, she played a key role in later albums such as Under the Radar and Chinese Work Songs, sharing lead singing duties and songwriting responsibilities alongside Payne and Barrere. Notably, her studio version of Bob Dylan's "It Takes a Lot to Laugh" on Chinese Work Songs became a staple in live performances.
The band’s 2008 release, Join the Band, featured collaborations with prominent artists including Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews, Emmylou Harris, Bob Seger, Béla Fleck, Brooks & Dunn, Chris Robinson, Vince Gill, Mike Gordon, and Inara George. After recording five studio albums and performing over 1,400 concerts together, Murphy was dismissed in 2009 as the group reduced its lineup to six members.
Hayward illness and death
In August 2009, Richie Hayward revealed he had been diagnosed with a serious liver condition that prevented him from performing indefinitely. To assist with his medical expenses, a benefit concert was organized alongside an online fundraising platform. Drum technician Gabe Ford temporarily assumed drumming duties.
Residing on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Hayward’s liver cancer entered remission while he awaited a transplant. At the July 2010 Vancouver Island Music Festival, he surprised audiences by completing an entire set. Although he intended to return to the band upon recovery, Hayward passed away on August 12, 2010, due to complications from pneumonia and lung disease.
2012 and beyond
Little Feat released Rooster Rag in June 2012, marking their first new material in nearly a decade. In 2014, Bill Payne became a permanent member of Leftover Salmon but departed in 2015 to tour with The Doobie Brothers, which limited his participation with Little Feat. Consequently, the full band performed roughly ten shows annually, while Barrere, Tackett, Gradney, and Ford toured as a quartet under the name Funky Feat.
Paul Barrere was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1994 and paused touring in 2013 to undergo treatment. He occasionally performed with Fred Tackett and collaborated with Roger Cole during this period. In August 2015, Barrere disclosed he had liver cancer. From 2017 onward, The Midnight Ramble Horns joined select concerts, including the band's 50th Anniversary tour in 2018. Following this period, touring activities became less frequent.
Barrere died on October 26, 2019. Scott Sharrard, who had substituted during the anniversary tour, was subsequently made a permanent member.
On September 16, 2020, Little Feat released a newly recorded video for Lowell George’s "Long Distance Love," introducing Tony Leone as the new drummer replacing Gabe Ford. Amy Helm contributed backing vocals; both she and Leone had previously collaborated in Ollabelle. In October 2020, the band issued "When All Boats Rise," their first original track in eight years.
The blues standards album Sam's Place arrived in May 2024, featuring percussionist Sam Clayton as lead vocalist throughout. The opening number "Milkman" was co-written by Clayton, Sharrard, and Tackett with lyrics penned by Clayton’s wife Joni.
In May 2025, Little Feat unveiled Strike Up the Band, their first album of new compositions in thirteen years. The lead single "Too High to Cut My Hair," written by Sharrard and Tackett and performed vocally by Sharrard, was accompanied by a playful music video set inside a hair salon.
Legacy
In a 1975 interview with Rolling Stone, guitarist Jimmy Page identified Little Feat as his preferred American group.
The tracks "Sailin' Shoes" and "Fat Man in the Bathtub" were notably featured in the 2010 film Leaves of Grass, directed by Edward Norton.
During Peach Fest 2018 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the surviving members of Little Feat joined forces with moe., the Turkuaz Horns, and the Ramble Band Horns to honor their iconic live recording Waiting For Columbus.
Musical style
Little Feat’s sound is an eclectic fusion of rock, blues, jazz, country, and funk genres. Their early work, such as Sailin' Shoes, melded country rock with folk influences, while Dixie Chicken introduced a signature funk style inspired by New Orleans rhythms that became synonymous with their identity. The band's music is characterized by intricate rhythms and instrumental improvisation, heavily influenced by bandleader Lowell George’s distinctive bottleneck guitar technique.
Critics often liken their passionate following to that of the Grateful Dead. Rolling Stone has categorized them as a “cult band” that uniquely blends Southern rock and swamp rock into a distinct Southwestern musical synthesis. By the late 1970s, jazz-rock fusion elements became more prominent in their sound, as showcased in songs like Day at the Dog Races, signaling a move toward jazz-inflected styles.
Their concerts are renowned for lengthy jam sessions that embody jazz improvisation within a Southern rock context. According to Glide magazine, Dixie Chicken along with its surreal album artwork has achieved iconic status, solidifying Little Feat’s impact on American rock music.
Current members
- Bill Payne – keyboards, vocals (1969–1979, 1987–present)
- Sam Clayton – congas, vocals, percussion (1972–1979, 1987–present)
- Kenny Gradney – bass guitar, occasional backing vocals (1972–1979, 1987–present)
- Fred Tackett – guitar, mandolin, trumpet, vocals (1987–present)
- Scott Sharrard – guitar, vocals (2019–present)
- Tony Leone – drums, vocals (2020–present)
Horn section
- Jay Collins – saxophone (2017–present)
- Steve Bernstein – trumpet (2017–present)
- Erik Lawrence – saxophone (2017–present)
Former members
- Lowell George – vocals, guitar, harmonica (1969–1979; deceased 1979)
- Richie Hayward – drums, backing vocals (1969–1979, 1987–2010; deceased 2010)
- Roy Estrada – bass guitar, backing vocals (1969–1972; deceased 2025)
- Paul Barrere – guitar, vocals (1972–1979, 1987–2019; deceased 2019)
- Craig Fuller – vocals, additional guitar (1987–1993)
- Shaun Murphy – vocals, tambourine (1993–2009)
- Gabe Ford – drums, backing vocals (2010–2020; touring 2009–2010)
Lineups
| 1969 – 1972 | 1972 – 1979 | 1987 – 1993 | 1993 – January 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| January – August 2009 | August 2009 – October 2019 | October 2019 – September 2020 | September 2020 – present |
|
|
|
|
Album Releases
- Little Feat (1971)
- Sailin' Shoes (1972)
- Dixie Chicken (1973)
- Feats Don't Fail Me Now (1974)
- The Last Record Album (1975)
- Time Loves a Hero (1977)
- Waiting for Columbus (1978)
- Down on the Farm (1979)
- Let It Roll (1988)
- Representing the Mambo (1990)
- Shake Me Up (1991)
- Ain't Had Enough Fun (1995)
- Live from Neon Park (1996)
- Under the Radar (1998)
- Extended Versions (2000)
- Chinese Work Songs (2000)
- Raw Tomatos Volume One (2002)
- Ripe Tomatos Volume One (2002)
- Live at the Rams Head (2002)
- Down upon the Suwannee River (2003)
- Kickin' It at the Barn (2003)
- Highwire Act Live in St. Louis 2003 (2004)
- Barnstormin' Live Volume One (2005)
- Barnstormin' Live Volume Two (2005)
- Rocky Mountain Jam (2007)
- Join the Band (2008)
- Rams Head Revisited (2011)
- Rooster Rag (2012)
- Sam's Place (2024)
- Strike Up the Band (2025)
Yearly Fan Trip to Jamaica
Since 2003, Little Feat has hosted an annual excursion for fans in Jamaica. These events typically include several concerts by the full band, often featuring guest musicians, along with individual and duo performances by band members.
| Year | Dates | Solo/Duo Performances |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Annual Featfan Excursion | Two full-band concerts:
|
|
| 2nd Annual Featfan Excursion | Two full-band concerts:
|
|
| 3rd Annual Featfan Excursion | Two full-band concerts:
|
|
| 4th Annual Featfan Excursion | Five full-band concerts:
|
|
| 5th Annual Featfan Excursion | Four full-band concerts:
|
2007 * Fuller performed January 29, 2007 * Barrere and Fred Tackett performed February 1, 2007 * Fred Tackett performed February 3, 2007 |
| 6th Annual Featfan Excursion | Two full-band concerts:
*February 2, 2008 (with Herman) *February 4, 2008 (with Herman) |
*Barrere and Fred Tackett performed February 1, 2008 |
| 7th Annual Featfan Excursion | Two full-band concerts:
*January 24, 2009 (with Mariani and Fuller) *January 26, 2009 (with Mariani and Fuller) |
*Fuller, Sam Clayton, and Fred Tackett performed January 25, 2009 |
| 8th Annual Featfan Excursion | Three full-band concerts:
*March 5, 2010 (with Fuller) *March 6, 2010 (with Fuller) *March 7, 2010 (with Fuller) |
|
| 9th Annual Featfan Excursion | Three full-band concerts:
*March 4, 2011 (with Fuller and Holloway) *March 5, 2011 (with Fuller and Holloway) *March 6, 2011(with Fuller and Holloway) |
*Bill Payne, Gabe Ford, and Holloway (performed March 6, 2010) |
| 10th Annual Featfan Excursion | Four full-band concerts:
*January 18, 2012 *January 19, 2012 *January 20, 2012 *January 21, 2012 |
Further reading
- Fong-Torres, Ben, (2013) Willin': The Biography of Little Feat, Da Capo Press
External links
- Archive of Little Feat's live performances hosted on the Internet Archive
- Articles with short description
- Little Feat
- Articles which contain graphical timelines
- American musical sextets
- American musical septets
- American southern rock musical groups
- Musical groups disestablished in 1979
- Musical groups established in 1969
- Musical groups from Los Angeles
- Musical groups reestablished in 1988
- Musical quartets from California
- Rounder Records artists
- Proper Records artists
- Rock music groups from California
- Swamp rock groups
- Warner Records artists
- Zoo Entertainment (record label) artists