Bill Payne, Writer/Poet/Musician/Lyricist

In providing the insights for this web site, Bill Payne draws on his rich background as a writer, recording artist, and producer in the music industry for more than 30 years. As a founding member and keyboardist of the group Little Feat, Payne has recorded 16 albums with them since their debut work in 1969. The band's diverse blend of rock, blues, Cajun, jazz, and country has drawn critical acclaim and two Grammy nominations, and equally diverse artists-Garth Brooks, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, Sam Bush, and Linda Ronstadt-have recorded Little Feat songs, including "Willin'," "Put on Your Sailin' Shoes," and "Dixie Chicken." And yes, the latter song title inspired the name for the Dixie Chicks.

Perhaps most indicative of Little Feat's influence, other musicians roundly praise the work of Payne and his band members. According to Jimmy Buffett, "Everyone knows the kind of musical impact this band has had on rock n' roll . . . they were and still are one of my favorite bands." In an interview for Guitar World Magazine, Bonnie Raitt claims Feat, "along with Ry Cooder, is the most interesting synthesis of American music" and she tells fans to "Go out, do not pass go," and buy the Little Feat collection. When not touring with the band, Bill has recorded and performed with a list of legendary artists, including Bob Seger, Beck, James Taylor, Vince Gill, B.B. King, the Doobie Brothers, and Bonnie Raitt.

The Little Feat web site provides complete details about the band's collective discographies, tours, and history (www.littlefeat.net).