Bill Payne (born March 12, 1949, Waco, Texas, USA) co-founded, with Lowell George, the American rock band Little Feat. He is considered by many other piano rock musicians, including Elton John, to be one of the finest American piano rock and blues music artists. In addition to his trademark barrelhouse blues piano, he is noted for his work on other keyboard instruments, particularly the Hammond B3 organ. Payne is also an accomplished songwriter whose credits include co-writing, with Lowell George, the Little Feat classic, "Oh, Atlanta."
Payne has worked and recorded with other musicians including J. J. Cale, Doobie Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Bryan Adams, Pink Floyd, Bob Seger, Toto, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Helen Watson, Stevie Nicks, Shocking Edison, John Cale, and Stephen Bruton. He was a guest performer on Bonnie Raitt's album Sweet Forgiveness in 1977, and wrote its track, "Takin' My Time."
Paul Barrere and Bill Payne played several live concerts with Phil Lesh and Friends, from 10/21/99 to 10/31/99, on 3/10/00, and from 6/21/00 to 7/30/00.
Following the death of Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward on August 12, 2010, Payne is the only member of the group from the original four-piece line-up currently playing in the band.
Other work edit:
Payne was a pioneer in the development of online music communities. In the early 1990s, he contacted his fan base and enlisted the help of friend Jay Herbst to develop the Little Feat Grass-roots Movement. This model went on to be a template for many bands in the creation of their Street Teams, which enlist the help of fans for purposes of music and concert promotion. This method has proven to be an effective vehicle for bringing bands and fans closer together, and forging friendships between them.
Songwriting (selected) edit:
Payne wrote or co-wrote many of the songs in Little Feat's catalogue, including the following:
"Snakes on Everything",
"Strawberry Flats",
"Truck-Stop Girl",
"Brides of Jesus",
"Tripe Face Boogie",
"Got No Shadow",
"Oh, Atlanta",
"Time Loves a Hero",
"Gringo",
"Takin' My Time"
The recently reactivated Leftover Salmon bridged Gov't Mule's Island Exodus III and Little Feat's own Jamaica Excursion for fans attending both events...
On February 17, Little Feat co-founder and keyboardist Bill Payne will team up with Steel Toed Slippers for a special evening of music at The Mint in ...
things to a close a week later in Park City, UT. The latter gig is a 4 PM show in the ski town's resort village. The band promises new songs as well a...
Little Feat keyboardist Bill Payne, the group's only remaining founding member, will play two Make-A-Wish Foundation benefit shows next week. The perf...
Little Feat keyboardist Bill Payne, the group's only remaining founding member, will play two Make-A-Wish Foundation benefit shows next week. The perf...
Little Feat's Bill Payne has announced a rare solo show. Taking place October 4 at Fury's Publick House in Dover, NH, Payne will make a special guest ...
Little Feat's Bill Payne has announced a rare solo show. Taking place October 4 at Fury's Publick House, Dover, NH, Payne will make a special guest ap...
including a Benefit Concert for The Rhythmic Arts Project in Santa Barbara, CA on September 28 as well as an appearance at Magnolia Fest in Live Oak, ...
Little Feat's Bill Payne will go on tour with Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally for a few shows in October. McNally will open each of Payne's sol...
While Little Feat is off the road this year, keyboardist and founding member Bill Payne will tour with longtime Grateful Dead publicist/biographer Den...
