RoadTrip – Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
November 11 @ 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Little Feat is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1969 by Lowell George and Bill Payne. Celebrated for their exceptional musicianship, they seamlessly blend California rock, blues, country, jazz, funk, and New Orleans swamp boogie into a highly distinctive, genre-defying roots music style.
Genre
Little Feat operates primarily within the Roots Rock, Southern Rock, and Country Rock realms, while heavily incorporating Funk, Blues, and Jazz-Fusion. Their complex, soulful, and groove-heavy sound is often referred to as a “musical gumbo,” making their style completely unique.
Band Biography
- Early Years (1969–1972): Formed by singer-songwriter Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne (both former members of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention) alongside bassist Roy Estrada and drummer Richie Hayward. The name “Little Feat” was famously inspired by a comment Zappa’s drummer, Jimmy Carl Black, made about George’s exceptionally wide feet. They released their self-titled debut in 1971 and Sailin’ Shoes in 1972.
- The Classic Line-up (1973–1979): The group expanded to a six-piece with the addition of guitarist Paul Barrère, bassist Kenny Gradney, and percussionist Sam Clayton. This lineup birthed their signature New Orleans funk and swamp boogie sound, creating legendary albums like Dixie Chicken (1973). Tensions, creative burnout, and drug issues led to the band’s breakup in 1979, shortly before Lowell George’s tragic death.
- Reunion and Legacy (1987–Present): Surviving members reformed the band in 1987 with new members, continuing to record and tour. While the group has navigated the heartbreaking losses of Richie Hayward and Paul Barrère over the years, they continue to tour with an updated, dynamic lineup, cementing their status as one of the most respected and influential American bands.