March 8, 2024 • 16 mins
Lowell George, the legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist, left an indelible mark on the world of rock music before his untimely death in 1979 at the age of 34. As the founder and driving force behind the band Little Feat, George's unique blend of rock, funk, blues, and country influenced countless musicians and helped to define the sound of American rock in the 1970s.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Lowell Thomas George was born on April 13, 1945, in Hollywood, California. His father, Willard George, was a furrier to the stars, and his mother, Lucille, was a housewife. Growing up in the heart of the entertainment industry, George was exposed to music from an early age. He began playing guitar at the age of 11 and quickly developed a passion for blues and R&B.
As a teenager, George attended Hollywood High School, where he met future bandmate Roy Estrada. Together, they formed a band called The Factory, which played a mix of blues and soul covers. George's talent as a guitarist and singer quickly earned him a reputation on the local music scene, and he began playing with other bands, including The Standells and The Mothers of Invention.
In 1966, George joined Frank Zappa's band, The Mothers of Invention, as a guitarist and vocalist. He appeared on several of the band's early albums, including "Freak Out!" and "Absolutely Free," and his distinctive slide guitar playing became a key element of the band's sound. However, George's time with The Mothers was short-lived, as he left the band in 1969 to pursue his own musical vision.
Formation of Little Feat
After leaving The Mothers of Invention, George formed his own band, Little Feat, with keyboardist Bill Payne, bassist Roy Estrada, and drummer Richie Hayward. The band's name was a reference to George's unusually small feet, which he often joked about in interviews.
Little Feat's self-titled debut album, released in 1971, showcased George's songwriting talents and the band's eclectic musical style. The album featured a mix of rock, blues, country, and R&B, with George's slide guitar and distinctive vocals at the forefront. Although the album was not a commercial success, it established Little Feat as a band to watch and earned them a dedicated following among music critics and fellow musicians.
Over the next several years, Little Feat released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "Sailin' Shoes" (1972), "Dixie Chicken" (1973), and "Feats Don't Fail Me Now" (1974). These albums further refined the band's sound, blending elements of rock, funk, and New Orleans-style R&B into a unique and infectious mix.
George's songwriting during this period was particularly strong, with tracks like "Willin'," "Fat Man in the Bathtub," and "Rock and Roll Doctor" becoming fan favorites and staples of the band's live shows. His lyrics often dealt with themes of love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life, delivered with a wry sense of humor and a keen eye for detail.
In addition to his work with Little Feat, George also collaborated with other musicians during this period. He produced albums for artists like Robert Palmer and Valerie Carter, and he played guitar on recordings by the likes of John Cale, Harry Nilsson, and Bonnie Raitt.
Challenges and Struggles
Despite Little Feat's critical acclaim and dedicated fanbase, the band faced numerous challenges throughout the 1970s. George's drug use, particularly his addiction to heroin, began to take a toll on his health and his ability to perform. The band's lineup also underwent several changes, with Roy Estrada leaving the band in 1972 and being replaced by a series of bassists, including Kenny Gradney and Paul Barrere.
In 1975, Little Feat took a hiatus as George sought treatment for his drug addiction. When the band returned to the studio in 1977 to record their sixth album, "Time Loves a Hero," tensions were high, and the recording process was fraught with difficulties. The resulting album was a departure from the band's earlier sound, incorporating more jazz and fusion elements, and was met with mixed reviews from fans and critics alike.
Despite these challenges, Little Feat continued to tour extensively throughout the late 1970s, building a reputation as one of the most dynamic and exciting live bands of their era. George's slide guitar playing and soulful vocals remained the centerpiece of the band's sound, and his onstage persona, complete with his trademark top hat and funky dance moves, made him a beloved figure among fans.
Tragic End and Legacy
Tragically, Lowell George's life and career were cut short on June 29, 1979, when he suffered a fatal heart attack in his hotel room in Arlington, Virginia. He had been on tour with Little Feat at the time, and the band had been scheduled to play a show that evening.
George's death sent shockwaves through the music community, and tributes poured in
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Lowell Thomas George was born on April 13, 1945, in Hollywood, California. His father, Willard George, was a furrier to the stars, and his mother, Lucille, was a housewife. Growing up in the heart of the entertainment industry, George was exposed to music from an early age. He began playing guitar at the age of 11 and quickly developed a passion for blues and R&B.
As a teenager, George attended Hollywood High School, where he met future bandmate Roy Estrada. Together, they formed a band called The Factory, which played a mix of blues and soul covers. George's talent as a guitarist and singer quickly earned him a reputation on the local music scene, and he began playing with other bands, including The Standells and The Mothers of Invention.
In 1966, George joined Frank Zappa's band, The Mothers of Invention, as a guitarist and vocalist. He appeared on several of the band's early albums, including "Freak Out!" and "Absolutely Free," and his distinctive slide guitar playing became a key element of the band's sound. However, George's time with The Mothers was short-lived, as he left the band in 1969 to pursue his own musical vision.
Formation of Little Feat
After leaving The Mothers of Invention, George formed his own band, Little Feat, with keyboardist Bill Payne, bassist Roy Estrada, and drummer Richie Hayward. The band's name was a reference to George's unusually small feet, which he often joked about in interviews.
Little Feat's self-titled debut album, released in 1971, showcased George's songwriting talents and the band's eclectic musical style. The album featured a mix of rock, blues, country, and R&B, with George's slide guitar and distinctive vocals at the forefront. Although the album was not a commercial success, it established Little Feat as a band to watch and earned them a dedicated following among music critics and fellow musicians.
Over the next several years, Little Feat released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "Sailin' Shoes" (1972), "Dixie Chicken" (1973), and "Feats Don't Fail Me Now" (1974). These albums further refined the band's sound, blending elements of rock, funk, and New Orleans-style R&B into a unique and infectious mix.
George's songwriting during this period was particularly strong, with tracks like "Willin'," "Fat Man in the Bathtub," and "Rock and Roll Doctor" becoming fan favorites and staples of the band's live shows. His lyrics often dealt with themes of love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life, delivered with a wry sense of humor and a keen eye for detail.
In addition to his work with Little Feat, George also collaborated with other musicians during this period. He produced albums for artists like Robert Palmer and Valerie Carter, and he played guitar on recordings by the likes of John Cale, Harry Nilsson, and Bonnie Raitt.
Challenges and Struggles
Despite Little Feat's critical acclaim and dedicated fanbase, the band faced numerous challenges throughout the 1970s. George's drug use, particularly his addiction to heroin, began to take a toll on his health and his ability to perform. The band's lineup also underwent several changes, with Roy Estrada leaving the band in 1972 and being replaced by a series of bassists, including Kenny Gradney and Paul Barrere.
In 1975, Little Feat took a hiatus as George sought treatment for his drug addiction. When the band returned to the studio in 1977 to record their sixth album, "Time Loves a Hero," tensions were high, and the recording process was fraught with difficulties. The resulting album was a departure from the band's earlier sound, incorporating more jazz and fusion elements, and was met with mixed reviews from fans and critics alike.
Despite these challenges, Little Feat continued to tour extensively throughout the late 1970s, building a reputation as one of the most dynamic and exciting live bands of their era. George's slide guitar playing and soulful vocals remained the centerpiece of the band's sound, and his onstage persona, complete with his trademark top hat and funky dance moves, made him a beloved figure among fans.
Tragic End and Legacy
Tragically, Lowell George's life and career were cut short on June 29, 1979, when he suffered a fatal heart attack in his hotel room in Arlington, Virginia. He had been on tour with Little Feat at the time, and the band had been scheduled to play a show that evening.
George's death sent shockwaves through the music community, and tributes poured in
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Lowell George, the legendary singer,songwriter, and guitarist, left an indelible
mark on the world of rock musicbefore his untimely death in nineteen seventy nine
at the age of thirty four.As the founder in driving force behind the
band Little Feet, George's unique blendof rock, funk, blues and country
influenced countless musicians and helped to definethe sound of American rock in the nineteen
(00:21):
seventies. Early life and musical beginnings, Lowell Thomas George was born on April
thirteenth, nineteen forty five, inHollywood, California. His father, Willard
George, was a furrier to thestars, and his mother, Lucille,
was a housewife. Growing up inthe heart of the entertainment industry, George
was exposed to music from an earlyage. He began playing guitar at the
(00:42):
age of eleven and quickly developed apassion for blues in R and B.
As a teenager, George attended HollywoodHigh School, where he met future bandmate
Roy Estrada. Together they formed aband called The Factory, which played a
mix of blues and soul covers.George's talent as a guitarist and singer quickly
earned him a reputation on the localmusic scene, and he began playing with
(01:04):
other bands, including The Standals andThe Mothers of Invention. In nineteen sixty
six, George joined Frank Zappa's bandThe Mothers of Invention as a guitarist and
vocalist. He appeared on several ofthe band's early albums, including Freak Out
and Absolutely Free, and his distinctiveslide guitar playing became a key element of
(01:25):
the band's sound. However, George'stime with The Mothers was short lived,
as he left the band in nineteensixty nine to pursue his own musical vision
formation of Little Feet. After leavingThe Mothers of Invention, George formed his
own band, Little Feet, withkeyboardist Bill Payne, bassist Roy Estrada,
(01:46):
and drummer Richie Heyward. The band'sname was a reference to George's unusually small
feat which he often joked about ininterviews. Littlefeat's self titled debut album,
released in nineteen seventy one, showcasedGeorge's song writing talents and the band's eclectic
musical style. The album featured amix of rock, blues, country and
R and B, with George's slideguitar and distinctive vocals at the forefront.
(02:09):
Although the album was not a commercialsuccess, it established Little Feat as a
band to watch and earned them adedicated following among music critics and fellow musicians.
Over the next several years, LittleFeat released a series of critically acclaimed
albums, including Sale and Shoes nineteenseventy two, Dixie Chicken nineteen seventy three,
(02:30):
and Feats Don't Fail Me Now nineteenseventy four. These albums further refined
the band's sound, blending elements ofrock funk and New Orleans style R and
B into a unique and infectious mix. George's songwriting during this period was particularly
strong, with tracks like Willin,Fat Man in the Bathtub and Rock and
(02:52):
Roll Doctor becoming fan favorites and staplesof the band's live shows. His lyrics
often dealt with themes of love,low and the struggles of everyday life,
delivered with a wry sense of humorand a keen eye for detail. In
addition to his work with Little Feet, George also collaborated with other musicians during
this period. He produced albums forartists like Robert Palmer and Valerie Carter,
(03:15):
and he played guitar on recordings bythe likes of John Kale, Harry Nilson
and Bonnie Raitt. Challenges and struggles. Despite Little Feat's critical acclaim and dedicated
fan base, the band faced numerouschallenges throughout the nineteen seventies. George's drug
use, particularly his addiction to heroin, began to take a toll on his
health and his ability to perform.The band's line up also underwent several changes,
(03:38):
with Roy Estrada leaving the band innineteen seventy two and being replaced by
a series of bassists, including KennyGradney and Paul Bearrer. In nineteen seventy
five, Little Feet took a hiatusas George sought treatment for his drug addiction.
When the band returned to the studioin nineteen seventy seven to record their
sixth album, Time Loves a Hero, tensions were high and the recording process
(04:00):
was fraught with difficulties. The resultingalbum was a departure from the band's earlier
sound, incorporating more jazz and fusionelements, and was met with mixed reviews
from fans and critics alike. Despitethese challenges, Little Feet continued to tour
extensively throughout the late nineteen seventies,building a reputation as one of the most
(04:21):
dynamic and exciting live bands of theirera. George's slide guitar playing and soulful
vocals remained the centerpiece of the band'ssound, and his on stage persona,
complete with his trademark top hat andfunky dance moves, made him a beloved
figure among fans. Tragic end andlegacy. Tragically, Lowell George's life and
(04:42):
career were cut short on June twentyninth, nineteen seventy nine, when he
suffered a fatal heart attack in hishotel room in Arlington, Virginia. He
had been on tour with Little Feetat the time, and the band had
been scheduled to play a show thatevening. George's death sent shockwaves through the
music community, and tributes poured infrom fellow musicians and fans alike. Little
Feet disbanded shortly after George's death,with the surviving members pursuing other projects and
(05:08):
collaborations. In the decades since hispassing, Lowell George's legacy has only grown
with new generations of musicians discovering hismusic and citing him as an influence.
His unique blend of rock, funk, and blues, combined with his poetic
lyrics and distinctive vocals, helped todefine the sound of nineteen seventies American rock
(05:29):
and paved the way for countless artistswho followed in his footsteps. George's influence
can be heard in the work ofartists like Bonnie Raitt, who covered his
song Dixie Chicken and has cited himas a major influence on her own slide
guitar playing. The Allman Brothers Band, another seminal nineteen seventies rock band,
also drew inspiration from George's music,with Greg Alman once stating that Lowell George
(05:54):
was one of the greatest singers andsongwriters of all time. In addition to
his musical legacy, George is alsoremembered for his larger than life personality and
his wry sense of humor. Hewas known for his love of practical jokes
and his ability to light up aroom with his infectious laughter and quick wit.
His bandmates and friends remember him asa kind and generous soul, always
(06:15):
willing to lend a helping hand oroffer words of encouragement to those around him
Little Feat's reformation and continuation. AlthoughLittle Feet disbanded following Lowell George's death,
the surviving members of the band eventuallyreformed in nineteen eighty seven, with Fred
Tackett taking over guitar duties and CraigFuller handling vocals. The reform band released
(06:38):
several albums over the next several decades, including let It Roll nineteen eighty eight
and Representing the Mambo nineteen ninety,and continued to tour extensively. While the
reformed Little Feet never quite captured thesame magic as the original line up,
they remained a beloved and respected presenceon the rock scene, known for their
(06:59):
type musicianship an eclectic blend of styles. The band also helped to keep Lowell
George's music alive, frequently performing hissongs in their live shows and introducing new
generations of fans to his work.In twenty twenty, Little Feet celebrated their
fiftieth anniversary with a series of specialconcerts and releases, including a deluxe edition
of their live album Waiting for Columbus. The band also announced plans for a
(07:24):
documentary film about their history and legacy, with a particular focus on the life
and music of Lowell George. RememberingLowell George more than four decades after his
untimely death, Lowell George's music andspirit continue to inspire and influence musicians and
music lovers around the world. Hisunique blend of rock, funk, blues,
(07:45):
and country, combined with his poeticlyrics and distinctive vocals, helped to
define the sound of nineteen seventies Americanrock and paved the way for countless artists
who followed in his footsteps. George'slegacy is also a testament to the power
of perseverance in the pursuit of one'sartistic vision. Despite facing numerous challenges and
(08:07):
setbacks throughout his career, including struggleswith drug addiction and personal demons, George
never lost sight of his love formusic and his desire to create something unique
and meaningful. His bandmates and friendsremember him as a kind and generous soul,
always willing to lend a helping handor offer words of encouragement to those
(08:28):
around him. His larger than lifepersonality and wry sense of humour also made
him a beloved figure among fans andfellow musicians alike. Today, Lowell George's
music continues to be celebrated and rediscoveredby new generations of fans, thanks in
part to the efforts of his survivingbandmates and the enduring appeal of his songwriting
(08:48):
and musicianship. From the funky groovesof Fat Man in the Bathtub to the
haunting beauty of Willin, George's songsremain timeless classics that continue to resonate with
listeners of all ages and backgrounds.As we look back on the life and
legacy of Lowell George, it's clearthat his impact on the world of rock
music cannot be overstated. He wasa true original, a visionary artist who
(09:11):
helped to push the boundaries of whatwas possible in rock and roll and inspire
countless others to follow in his footsteps. While his life may have been cut
tragically short, the music he createdin the spirit he embodied, continued to
live on, a testament to theenduring power of art and the human spirit.
As long as there are those wholove rock and roll and appreciate the
(09:33):
unique blend of styles and influences thatmade Little Feet so special, Lowell George's
legacy will continue to shine bright,a guiding light for generations of musicians and
music lovers to come. Lowell George'senduring musical influence and the influence of Lowell
George's music can be heard in thework of countless artists across a wide range
of genres, from rock and bluesto funk and country. His unique blend
(09:56):
of styles and his signature slide guitarplaying inspired generations of musicians, while his
poetic lyrics and soulful vocals continue toresonate with listeners around the world. One
of the most notable examples of George'sinfluence can be heard in the work of
Bonnie Raitt, who has cited himas a major inspiration and has covered several
(10:16):
of his songs over the years.Rate's own slide guitar playing and bluesy vocals
owe a great deal to George's style, and she has spoken frequently about the
impact he had on her music inher career. Other artists who have cited
George as an influence include the AlmanBrothers Band, whose own blend of rock,
blues and country bears many similarities toLittle Feet Sound. Greg Alman once
(10:41):
called George one of the greatest singersand songwriters of all time, and the
band frequently covered little feat songs intheir live shows. The influence of George's
music can also be heard in thework of more contemporary artists such as The
Black Crows and The Drive By Truckers. These bands have drawn heavily on the
Southern rock and blues traditions that Georgehelped to pioneer, while also incorporating elements
(11:05):
of funk and soul into their sound. Beyond his musical influence, George's larger
than life personality and his wry senseof humor have also had a lasting impact
on the world of rock and roll. He was known for his love of
practical jokes and his ability to lightup a room with his infectious laughter and
quick wit, qualities that endeared himto fans and fellow musicians alike. In
(11:28):
many ways, George embodied the spiritof rock and roll itself, a wild,
unpredictable, and ultimately irreplaceable force ofnature that left an indelible mark on
the world. His music and hisspirit continue to inspire and influence new generations
of musicians and music lovers, ensuringthat his legacy will live on for years
to come the future of Little Feetand Lowell George's legacy. As Little Feet
(11:52):
celebrates their fiftieth anniversary and looks tothe future, the band remains committed to
honoring the legacy of Lowell George andkeeping his music alive for new generations of
fans. With a line up thatincludes longtime members Bill Payne, Sam Clayton,
and Fred Tackett, as well asnewer editions like guitars Scott Scherrard and
vocalist Tony Leone, the band continuesto tour and record new music, drawing
(12:13):
on the rich history of their past, while also pushing forward into new creative
territory. In addition to their ongoingmusical endeavors, Littlefeat has also been working
on a documentary film about their historyand legacy, with a particular focus on
the life and music of Lowell George. The film, which is currently in
production, promises to offer a revealingand intimate look at the band's story from
(12:37):
their early days as a pioneering forcein the world of nineteen seventies rock to
their current status as beloved elder statesmenof the genre. As the band looks
to the future, they remain committedto honoring the spirit of creativity, innovation,
and collaboration that defined their work withLowell George. They continue to draw
(12:58):
inspirationation from his music and is largerthan life personality, while also forging ahead
with their own unique vision and sound. At the same time, the legacy
of Lowell George continues to grow andevolve as new generations of musicians and music
lovers discover his work and draw inspirationfrom his example. His music remains a
(13:20):
touchstone for anyone who loves rock androll, blues, funk, and country,
and his influence can be heard inthe work of countless artists across a
wide range of genres. In theend, the story of Lowell George and
Little Feet is a testament to theenduring power of music to inspire, connect
and transform. Through their music andtheir spirit, they have touched the lives
(13:41):
of millions of people around the world, leaving a legacy that will continue to
resonate for generations to come. Aslong as there are those who love rock
and roll and appreciate the unique blendof styles and influences that made Little Feet
so special, the music of LowellGeorge will continue to live on a shining
example of what is possible when talent, passion, and creativity come together in
(14:03):
pursuit of something truly great. Celebratingthe life and music of Lowell George.
As we look back on the lifeand legacy of Lowell George, it's clear
that his impact on the world ofmusic was truly profound. From his early
days as a member of Frank Zappa'sMothers of Invention to his groundbreaking work with
Little Feet, George helped to shapethe sound and spirit of rock and roll
(14:24):
in the nineteen seventies and beyond.His unique blend of rock, funk,
blues in country, combined with hispoetic lyrics and distinctive vocals, helped to
create a sound that was entirely hisown, one that continues to inspire and
influence musicians to this day. Hisslide guitar playing, in particular, remains
a touchstone for anyone who loves theinstrument, a shining example of what is
(14:46):
possible when skill, creativity, andpassion come together in pursuit of something truly
great. But beyond his musical achievements, George was also a beloved figure in
the world of rock and roll,known for his larger than life personality,
his wry sense of humor, andhis unwavering commitment to his art. He
was a true original, a oneof a kind talent who left an indelible
(15:07):
mark on the world of music andon the lives of all those who knew
him. Today, as we celebratethe life and music of Lowell George,
we do so with a sense ofgratitude and appreciation for all that he gave
us. His music remains a sourceof joy, inspiration, and comfort for
millions of people around the world,a testament to the enduring power of art
(15:28):
to connect us and to lift usup. Whether you're a die hard Little
Feat fan or simply someone who appreciatesgreat music and great storytelling, the legacy
of Lowell George is one that deservesto be celebrated and remembered. His music
and his spirit continue to live ona shining example of what is possible when
talent, passion, and creativity cometogether in pursuit of something truly special.
(15:52):
So here's to Lowell George, atrue original and a shining light in the
world of rock and roll. Mayhis music and his memory can continue to
inspire and uplift us for generations tocome. Thanks for listening to Quiet.
Please remember to like and share whereveryou get your podcasts.
Lowell George, the legendary singer,songwriter, and guitarist, left an indelible
mark on the world of rock musicbefore his untimely death in nineteen seventy nine
at the age of thirty four.As the founder in driving force behind the
band Little Feet, George's unique blendof rock, funk, blues and country
influenced countless musicians and helped to definethe sound of American rock in the nineteen
(00:21):
seventies. Early life and musical beginnings, Lowell Thomas George was born on April
thirteenth, nineteen forty five, inHollywood, California. His father, Willard
George, was a furrier to thestars, and his mother, Lucille,
was a housewife. Growing up inthe heart of the entertainment industry, George
was exposed to music from an earlyage. He began playing guitar at the
(00:42):
age of eleven and quickly developed apassion for blues in R and B.
As a teenager, George attended HollywoodHigh School, where he met future bandmate
Roy Estrada. Together they formed aband called The Factory, which played a
mix of blues and soul covers.George's talent as a guitarist and singer quickly
earned him a reputation on the localmusic scene, and he began playing with
(01:04):
other bands, including The Standals andThe Mothers of Invention. In nineteen sixty
six, George joined Frank Zappa's bandThe Mothers of Invention as a guitarist and
vocalist. He appeared on several ofthe band's early albums, including Freak Out
and Absolutely Free, and his distinctiveslide guitar playing became a key element of
(01:25):
the band's sound. However, George'stime with The Mothers was short lived,
as he left the band in nineteensixty nine to pursue his own musical vision
formation of Little Feet. After leavingThe Mothers of Invention, George formed his
own band, Little Feet, withkeyboardist Bill Payne, bassist Roy Estrada,
(01:46):
and drummer Richie Heyward. The band'sname was a reference to George's unusually small
feat which he often joked about ininterviews. Littlefeat's self titled debut album,
released in nineteen seventy one, showcasedGeorge's song writing talents and the band's eclectic
musical style. The album featured amix of rock, blues, country and
R and B, with George's slideguitar and distinctive vocals at the forefront.
(02:09):
Although the album was not a commercialsuccess, it established Little Feat as a
band to watch and earned them adedicated following among music critics and fellow musicians.
Over the next several years, LittleFeat released a series of critically acclaimed
albums, including Sale and Shoes nineteenseventy two, Dixie Chicken nineteen seventy three,
(02:30):
and Feats Don't Fail Me Now nineteenseventy four. These albums further refined
the band's sound, blending elements ofrock funk and New Orleans style R and
B into a unique and infectious mix. George's songwriting during this period was particularly
strong, with tracks like Willin,Fat Man in the Bathtub and Rock and
(02:52):
Roll Doctor becoming fan favorites and staplesof the band's live shows. His lyrics
often dealt with themes of love,low and the struggles of everyday life,
delivered with a wry sense of humorand a keen eye for detail. In
addition to his work with Little Feet, George also collaborated with other musicians during
this period. He produced albums forartists like Robert Palmer and Valerie Carter,
(03:15):
and he played guitar on recordings bythe likes of John Kale, Harry Nilson
and Bonnie Raitt. Challenges and struggles. Despite Little Feat's critical acclaim and dedicated
fan base, the band faced numerouschallenges throughout the nineteen seventies. George's drug
use, particularly his addiction to heroin, began to take a toll on his
health and his ability to perform.The band's line up also underwent several changes,
(03:38):
with Roy Estrada leaving the band innineteen seventy two and being replaced by
a series of bassists, including KennyGradney and Paul Bearrer. In nineteen seventy
five, Little Feet took a hiatusas George sought treatment for his drug addiction.
When the band returned to the studioin nineteen seventy seven to record their
sixth album, Time Loves a Hero, tensions were high and the recording process
(04:00):
was fraught with difficulties. The resultingalbum was a departure from the band's earlier
sound, incorporating more jazz and fusionelements, and was met with mixed reviews
from fans and critics alike. Despitethese challenges, Little Feet continued to tour
extensively throughout the late nineteen seventies,building a reputation as one of the most
(04:21):
dynamic and exciting live bands of theirera. George's slide guitar playing and soulful
vocals remained the centerpiece of the band'ssound, and his on stage persona,
complete with his trademark top hat andfunky dance moves, made him a beloved
figure among fans. Tragic end andlegacy. Tragically, Lowell George's life and
(04:42):
career were cut short on June twentyninth, nineteen seventy nine, when he
suffered a fatal heart attack in hishotel room in Arlington, Virginia. He
had been on tour with Little Feetat the time, and the band had
been scheduled to play a show thatevening. George's death sent shockwaves through the
music community, and tributes poured infrom fellow musicians and fans alike. Little
Feet disbanded shortly after George's death,with the surviving members pursuing other projects and
(05:08):
collaborations. In the decades since hispassing, Lowell George's legacy has only grown
with new generations of musicians discovering hismusic and citing him as an influence.
His unique blend of rock, funk, and blues, combined with his poetic
lyrics and distinctive vocals, helped todefine the sound of nineteen seventies American rock
(05:29):
and paved the way for countless artistswho followed in his footsteps. George's influence
can be heard in the work ofartists like Bonnie Raitt, who covered his
song Dixie Chicken and has cited himas a major influence on her own slide
guitar playing. The Allman Brothers Band, another seminal nineteen seventies rock band,
also drew inspiration from George's music,with Greg Alman once stating that Lowell George
(05:54):
was one of the greatest singers andsongwriters of all time. In addition to
his musical legacy, George is alsoremembered for his larger than life personality and
his wry sense of humor. Hewas known for his love of practical jokes
and his ability to light up aroom with his infectious laughter and quick wit.
His bandmates and friends remember him asa kind and generous soul, always
(06:15):
willing to lend a helping hand oroffer words of encouragement to those around him
Little Feat's reformation and continuation. AlthoughLittle Feet disbanded following Lowell George's death,
the surviving members of the band eventuallyreformed in nineteen eighty seven, with Fred
Tackett taking over guitar duties and CraigFuller handling vocals. The reform band released
(06:38):
several albums over the next several decades, including let It Roll nineteen eighty eight
and Representing the Mambo nineteen ninety,and continued to tour extensively. While the
reformed Little Feet never quite captured thesame magic as the original line up,
they remained a beloved and respected presenceon the rock scene, known for their
(06:59):
type musicianship an eclectic blend of styles. The band also helped to keep Lowell
George's music alive, frequently performing hissongs in their live shows and introducing new
generations of fans to his work.In twenty twenty, Little Feet celebrated their
fiftieth anniversary with a series of specialconcerts and releases, including a deluxe edition
of their live album Waiting for Columbus. The band also announced plans for a
(07:24):
documentary film about their history and legacy, with a particular focus on the life
and music of Lowell George. RememberingLowell George more than four decades after his
untimely death, Lowell George's music andspirit continue to inspire and influence musicians and
music lovers around the world. Hisunique blend of rock, funk, blues,
(07:45):
and country, combined with his poeticlyrics and distinctive vocals, helped to
define the sound of nineteen seventies Americanrock and paved the way for countless artists
who followed in his footsteps. George'slegacy is also a testament to the power
of perseverance in the pursuit of one'sartistic vision. Despite facing numerous challenges and
(08:07):
setbacks throughout his career, including struggleswith drug addiction and personal demons, George
never lost sight of his love formusic and his desire to create something unique
and meaningful. His bandmates and friendsremember him as a kind and generous soul,
always willing to lend a helping handor offer words of encouragement to those
(08:28):
around him. His larger than lifepersonality and wry sense of humour also made
him a beloved figure among fans andfellow musicians alike. Today, Lowell George's
music continues to be celebrated and rediscoveredby new generations of fans, thanks in
part to the efforts of his survivingbandmates and the enduring appeal of his songwriting
(08:48):
and musicianship. From the funky groovesof Fat Man in the Bathtub to the
haunting beauty of Willin, George's songsremain timeless classics that continue to resonate with
listeners of all ages and backgrounds.As we look back on the life and
legacy of Lowell George, it's clearthat his impact on the world of rock
music cannot be overstated. He wasa true original, a visionary artist who
(09:11):
helped to push the boundaries of whatwas possible in rock and roll and inspire
countless others to follow in his footsteps. While his life may have been cut
tragically short, the music he createdin the spirit he embodied, continued to
live on, a testament to theenduring power of art and the human spirit.
As long as there are those wholove rock and roll and appreciate the
(09:33):
unique blend of styles and influences thatmade Little Feet so special, Lowell George's
legacy will continue to shine bright,a guiding light for generations of musicians and
music lovers to come. Lowell George'senduring musical influence and the influence of Lowell
George's music can be heard in thework of countless artists across a wide range
of genres, from rock and bluesto funk and country. His unique blend
(09:56):
of styles and his signature slide guitarplaying inspired generations of musicians, while his
poetic lyrics and soulful vocals continue toresonate with listeners around the world. One
of the most notable examples of George'sinfluence can be heard in the work of
Bonnie Raitt, who has cited himas a major inspiration and has covered several
(10:16):
of his songs over the years.Rate's own slide guitar playing and bluesy vocals
owe a great deal to George's style, and she has spoken frequently about the
impact he had on her music inher career. Other artists who have cited
George as an influence include the AlmanBrothers Band, whose own blend of rock,
blues and country bears many similarities toLittle Feet Sound. Greg Alman once
(10:41):
called George one of the greatest singersand songwriters of all time, and the
band frequently covered little feat songs intheir live shows. The influence of George's
music can also be heard in thework of more contemporary artists such as The
Black Crows and The Drive By Truckers. These bands have drawn heavily on the
Southern rock and blues traditions that Georgehelped to pioneer, while also incorporating elements
(11:05):
of funk and soul into their sound. Beyond his musical influence, George's larger
than life personality and his wry senseof humor have also had a lasting impact
on the world of rock and roll. He was known for his love of
practical jokes and his ability to lightup a room with his infectious laughter and
quick wit, qualities that endeared himto fans and fellow musicians alike. In
(11:28):
many ways, George embodied the spiritof rock and roll itself, a wild,
unpredictable, and ultimately irreplaceable force ofnature that left an indelible mark on
the world. His music and hisspirit continue to inspire and influence new generations
of musicians and music lovers, ensuringthat his legacy will live on for years
to come the future of Little Feetand Lowell George's legacy. As Little Feet
(11:52):
celebrates their fiftieth anniversary and looks tothe future, the band remains committed to
honoring the legacy of Lowell George andkeeping his music alive for new generations of
fans. With a line up thatincludes longtime members Bill Payne, Sam Clayton,
and Fred Tackett, as well asnewer editions like guitars Scott Scherrard and
vocalist Tony Leone, the band continuesto tour and record new music, drawing
(12:13):
on the rich history of their past, while also pushing forward into new creative
territory. In addition to their ongoingmusical endeavors, Littlefeat has also been working
on a documentary film about their historyand legacy, with a particular focus on
the life and music of Lowell George. The film, which is currently in
production, promises to offer a revealingand intimate look at the band's story from
(12:37):
their early days as a pioneering forcein the world of nineteen seventies rock to
their current status as beloved elder statesmenof the genre. As the band looks
to the future, they remain committedto honoring the spirit of creativity, innovation,
and collaboration that defined their work withLowell George. They continue to draw
(12:58):
inspirationation from his music and is largerthan life personality, while also forging ahead
with their own unique vision and sound. At the same time, the legacy
of Lowell George continues to grow andevolve as new generations of musicians and music
lovers discover his work and draw inspirationfrom his example. His music remains a
(13:20):
touchstone for anyone who loves rock androll, blues, funk, and country,
and his influence can be heard inthe work of countless artists across a
wide range of genres. In theend, the story of Lowell George and
Little Feet is a testament to theenduring power of music to inspire, connect
and transform. Through their music andtheir spirit, they have touched the lives
(13:41):
of millions of people around the world, leaving a legacy that will continue to
resonate for generations to come. Aslong as there are those who love rock
and roll and appreciate the unique blendof styles and influences that made Little Feet
so special, the music of LowellGeorge will continue to live on a shining
example of what is possible when talent, passion, and creativity come together in
(14:03):
pursuit of something truly great. Celebratingthe life and music of Lowell George.
As we look back on the lifeand legacy of Lowell George, it's clear
that his impact on the world ofmusic was truly profound. From his early
days as a member of Frank Zappa'sMothers of Invention to his groundbreaking work with
Little Feet, George helped to shapethe sound and spirit of rock and roll
(14:24):
in the nineteen seventies and beyond.His unique blend of rock, funk,
blues in country, combined with hispoetic lyrics and distinctive vocals, helped to
create a sound that was entirely hisown, one that continues to inspire and
influence musicians to this day. Hisslide guitar playing, in particular, remains
a touchstone for anyone who loves theinstrument, a shining example of what is
(14:46):
possible when skill, creativity, andpassion come together in pursuit of something truly
great. But beyond his musical achievements, George was also a beloved figure in
the world of rock and roll,known for his larger than life personality,
his wry sense of humor, andhis unwavering commitment to his art. He
was a true original, a oneof a kind talent who left an indelible
(15:07):
mark on the world of music andon the lives of all those who knew
him. Today, as we celebratethe life and music of Lowell George,
we do so with a sense ofgratitude and appreciation for all that he gave
us. His music remains a sourceof joy, inspiration, and comfort for
millions of people around the world,a testament to the enduring power of art
(15:28):
to connect us and to lift usup. Whether you're a die hard Little
Feat fan or simply someone who appreciatesgreat music and great storytelling, the legacy
of Lowell George is one that deservesto be celebrated and remembered. His music
and his spirit continue to live ona shining example of what is possible when
talent, passion, and creativity cometogether in pursuit of something truly special.
(15:52):
So here's to Lowell George, atrue original and a shining light in the
world of rock and roll. Mayhis music and his memory can continue to
inspire and uplift us for generations tocome. Thanks for listening to Quiet.
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