Complete List Of Little Feat Band Members

Feature Photo: Warner Brothers Records., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Everyone loves Little Feat. They are a true American rock and roll band with a Southern rock and New Orleans twist. Little Feat was formed in Los Angeles in 1969 by lead vocalist and guitarist Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne. Over the years, Little Feat has released numerous albums, including notable ones such as Dixie Chicken (1973) and Waiting for Columbus (1978), which is often hailed as one of the greatest live albums of all time. The band broke up after Lowell George’s death in 1979 before reuniting in the late 1980s, and they later endured another interruption during the pandemic years. Little Feat has remained a beloved fixture in the rock music scene through numerous lineup changes. Their studio catalog was expanded with Sam’s Place in 2024 and Strike Up The Band in 2025. The current lineup consists of Bill Payne, Kenny Gradney, Sam Clayton, Fred Tackett, Scott Sharrard, and Tony Leone. In 2026, Little Feat began its Last Farewell Tour, marking a retirement from the demands of extensive touring rather than necessarily the end of all future performances.

Lowell George

Lowell George co-founded Little Feat in 1969 and was a pivotal member until his untimely death in 1979. George’s tenure with the band saw him contributing as the primary songwriter, lead vocalist, and slide guitarist. His distinctive voice and guitar work were integral to the band’s early success. He played on albums such as Little Feat (1971), Sailin’ Shoes (1972), Dixie Chicken (1973), and Time Loves a Hero (1977). Outside of Little Feat, George worked as a producer, notably on The Grateful Dead’s album Shakedown Street. His only solo album, Thanks, I’ll Eat It Here, was released in March 1979, several months before his death.

Bill Payne

Bill Payne, a co-founder of Little Feat, is known for his intricate keyboard work and has been a central presence in the band from its inception in 1969 through today. Payne’s contributions include songwriting and vocals, as well as performances throughout Little Feat’s catalog. In addition to his work with Little Feat, Payne is a sought-after session musician who has played with artists such as Bob Seger, James Taylor, and Jackson Browne. His versatility and musicianship have made him a key figure in the band’s longevity. Payne remains a member of the current lineup and contributed to the band’s recent albums Sam’s Place (2024) and Strike Up The Band (2025).

Richie Hayward

Richie Hayward was Little Feat’s drummer from the band’s formation in 1969 through its original run and again after the reunion, remaining a member until illness forced him away from touring shortly before his death in 2010. His dynamic drumming style was a cornerstone of the band’s sound. Hayward played on all of the band’s classic albums, including Dixie Chicken (1973) and Waiting for Columbus (1978). Outside of Little Feat, Hayward was an accomplished session drummer, playing with artists such as Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, and Buddy Guy. His technical skill and rhythmic innovation were highly regarded in the music industry.

Paul Barrere

Paul Barrere joined Little Feat in 1972, bringing his skills as a guitarist and vocalist to the band. Barrere contributed significantly to the band’s sound from Dixie Chicken (1973) onward, co-writing some of their most memorable songs, including “All That You Dream” and “Time Loves a Hero.” Barrere remained a member of Little Feat until his death in 2019. In addition to his work with Little Feat, Barrere pursued solo projects and collaborated with other musicians, including appearing on albums by Bonnie Raitt and Carly Simon.

Sam Clayton

Sam Clayton joined Little Feat in 1972 as a percussionist and vocalist. Clayton’s percussion work added a unique layer to the band’s rhythm section, evident on albums like Feats Don’t Fail Me Now (1974) and Representing the Mambo (1990). He returned with the group after its 1980s reunion and remains a member of the current lineup. Clayton took an especially prominent role on Sam’s Place (2024), Little Feat’s first full blues album, singing lead vocals throughout the record. Besides his contributions to Little Feat, Clayton has worked with various artists across genres, bringing his expertise in percussion to numerous recording sessions.

Kenny Gradney

Kenny Gradney became the bassist for Little Feat in 1972, replacing original bassist Roy Estrada. Gradney’s deep, funky bass lines became a key component of the band’s sound on albums such as Dixie Chicken (1973) and The Last Record Album (1975). He returned when Little Feat reunited in the late 1980s and remains the band’s bassist today. Outside of Little Feat, Gradney has played with artists including Bob Weir and Delaney & Bonnie.

Fred Tackett

Fred Tackett officially joined Little Feat in 1988, though he had a long history with the band as a session musician and songwriter. Tackett’s multi-instrumental talents on guitar, mandolin, and trumpet, along with his songwriting skills, enriched albums such as Let It Roll (1988) and Rooster Rag (2012). He remains a member of the current lineup and contributed to Sam’s Place (2024) and Strike Up The Band (2025). Besides his work with Little Feat, Tackett has an extensive career as a session musician, playing with Bob Dylan, Jimmy Webb, and many others.

Gabe Ford

Gabe Ford became Little Feat’s drummer in 2009, stepping in for Richie Hayward when Hayward became ill. Ford’s drumming can be heard on the album Rooster Rag (2012). He continued in the role after Hayward’s death in 2010 and remained Little Feat’s drummer through 2019. Ford’s background includes playing with artists such as Robben Ford and The New Power Generation, showcasing his versatility and technical proficiency.

Craig Fuller

Craig Fuller joined Little Feat as a vocalist and guitarist during the band’s late-1980s reformation. Fuller’s contributions are prominently featured on the albums Let It Roll (1988), Representing the Mambo (1990), and Shake Me Up (1991). Prior to joining Little Feat, Fuller was known for his work with Pure Prairie League, particularly their hit “Amie.” His tenure with Little Feat lasted until 1993, after which he continued to perform and record with various projects.

Shaun Murphy

Shaun Murphy was a member of Little Feat from 1993 to 2009, serving as a lead vocalist. Her powerful voice added a new dimension to the band’s sound, particularly on albums like Under the Radar (1998) and Kickin’ It at the Barn (2003). Before and after her time with Little Feat, Murphy enjoyed a successful career as a backing vocalist and solo artist, working with Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, and The Moody Blues.

Roy Estrada

Roy Estrada was the original bassist for Little Feat, playing with the band from its formation in 1969 until 1972. Estrada’s bass playing is featured on the band’s first two albums, Little Feat (1971) and Sailin’ Shoes (1972). After leaving Little Feat, Estrada played with Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart. His contributions to the early sound of Little Feat remain significant, laying the groundwork for the band’s future development.

Scott Sharrard

Scott Sharrard joined Little Feat in 2019 after first stepping in for the ailing Paul Barrere during the band’s final shows before Barrere’s death. Sharrard is a guitarist and vocalist best known for his years as guitarist and musical director with Gregg Allman. He became a full member of Little Feat and remains part of the current lineup. Sharrard contributed to Sam’s Place (2024) and Strike Up The Band (2025), helping carry the band’s guitar tradition into its newest era.

Tony Leone

Tony Leone joined Little Feat as drummer in 2020. Leone brought extensive experience from his work with the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Phil Lesh & Friends, and Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Band. He took over the drum chair previously held by Gabe Ford and, before him, the legendary Richie Hayward. Leone remains Little Feat’s current drummer and appears on the band’s recent studio albums Sam’s Place (2024) and Strike Up The Band (2025).

Jay Collins – Touring Horn Section

Jay Collins has frequently performed with Little Feat as part of the Midnight Ramble Horns, also known in this setting as the Feat Horns. The horn section began appearing with Little Feat on tours in 2017 and continued to join the band for selected performances. Collins is a saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist whose career includes work with Gregg Allman and Levon Helm. He has been an important touring collaborator, although Little Feat’s official current member list does not include the horn section.

Steve Bernstein – Touring Horn Section

Steven Bernstein has performed trumpet with Little Feat as part of the Midnight Ramble Horns/Feat Horns touring section. The horns joined Little Feat for selected shows beginning in 2017, adding a fuller sound that recalled the horn arrangements heard on the band’s classic live album Waiting for Columbus. Known for his work with the Millennial Territory Orchestra and collaborations with artists including Levon Helm and Lou Reed, Bernstein has been a recurring touring collaborator rather than a core official member of Little Feat.

Erik Lawrence – Touring Horn Section

Erik Lawrence has performed saxophone and other woodwinds with Little Feat as part of the Midnight Ramble Horns/Feat Horns. His expressive playing has added depth to selected Little Feat tours and performances since 2017. Lawrence’s broad musical background includes work with Levon Helm, Bob Dylan, Joan Osborne, and many other artists. Like Jay Collins and Steven Bernstein, Lawrence is best described as an important touring horn-section collaborator rather than a member of Little Feat’s official six-man lineup.

Read More: Top 10 Little Feat Songs

Updated August 18, 2026.