Little Feat | Artist
Little Feat is an American rock band formed in 1969 in Los Angeles, California, by singer-songwriter and guitarist Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne. Lowell George met Bill Payne when the former was a member of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention, and Payne auditioned for the Mothers, but did not join. The pair soon recruited drummer Richie Haywood from George's previous band, The Factory, along with Mothers of Invention bassist Roy Estrada, to form Little Feat. Later, in 1972, the lineup changed with Kenny Gradney replacing Estrada on bass, plus additional members Sam Clayton (percussion, vocals, congas) and Paul Barrere (guitar, vocals), to complete the band's classic line-up. The band's music is a blend of rock, blues, country, and funk, making them difficult to fit within a single genre. They are known for their tight musicianship, eclectic songwriting, and a laid-back, Southern California vibe. From their self-titled debut album in 1971 to their most recent work, the band has been celebrated for their ability to effortlessly fuse various musical elements and create a sound that is uniquely their own, characterized by intricate guitar work, soulful vocals, and infectious grooves. They have been cited as an influence by many artists across different genres, and their music continues to resonate with fans old and new. In performance, the band is known for their improvisational skills and their ability to captivate audiences with their extended jams and high-energy shows. Their live albums, such as "Waiting for Columbus," are considered some of the best in rock history and showcase the band's superb musicianship. Despite critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, Little Feat faced several challenges throughout their history, including the untimely death of Lowell George in 1979, at the age of 34. However, the band persevered, continuing to tour and record, releasing new music and reinvigorating classic tracks for a new generation of listeners. The band's songs such as "Willin'" have been covered by many artists, and their influence can still be heard in the work of contemporary musicians. As a recording outfit, Little Feat's creative output peaked with a run of three superb albums over the period 1972-74, namely Sailin' Shoes, Dixie Chicken, and Feats Don't Fail me Now. The following two albums The Last Record Album (1975) and Time Loves a Hero (1977) were also excellent, but they couldn't match the previous gems. However the band did bounce back strongly with the superb live album Waiting For Columbus in 1978. Despite the excellent musicianship of Paul Barrere and the others, the band was never the same after the untimely departure of their principal singer & guitarist Lowell George. Following are two obscure facts about Little Feat. Firstly, the name of the band came from a comment made by Mothers' drummer Jimmy Carl Black about Lowell's "little feet", with the spelling of "feat" as an homage to the Beatles. Secondly, Lowell George's first band the Factory made an appearance on the 1960s sitcom F-Troop as "The Bedbugs". They were also featured in an episode of Gomer Pyle USMC entitled "Lost, the Colonel's Daughter" (season 3, episode 27), where they appeared in the scene inside the A-Go-Go club.
Artist Website: littlefeat.net
Featured Albums: Little Feat
Related Artists: Lowell George, The Mothers of Invention, The Fraternity of Man
