Little Feat’s late 1960s origins started with guitarist Lowell George playing a song called “Willin’” to his then-bandleader Frank Zappa. The famously eccentric singer-songwriter encouraged George to form his own band. Teaming with keyboardist Bill Payne to form Little Feat, the two embarked on a journey to see the outfit take on many shapes and forms over the years. With an assist from Zappa, the band scored a deal with Warner Bros. Records in the early ‘70s, that included drummer Richie Hayward. For Dixie Chicken, they added additional players: Paul Barrere on guitar, Kenny Gradney on bass, and percussionist Sam Clayton, who fused disparate elements of rock, blues, jazz, country, and funk, the band went on a hot streak few bands can boast of. Each musician played off each other like how a photographer sees and captures images. Even with this success, Little Feat wasn’t satisfied. The band continued to pivot and experiment, releasing several more albums before splitting in 1979. After the band's singer-guitarist George died, little by little over the next few years, the surviving members started playing together. By 1987, Little Feat reformed and just like that, picked up where it left off. Even as its lineup continues to evolve, Little Feat’s DNA remains the same. With classic members Payne, Sam Clayton, Kenny Gradney, Fred Tackett and newer additions Scott Sharrard and Tony Leone bringing the band fresh life, Little Feat continues to be a force to be reckoned with.
