Mia Patel
Little Feat's third studio album, Dixie Chicken, released in 1973, is considered a classic. The title track was written by Lowell George and Martin Kibbee, inspired by a sign advertising a restaurant. The song features two singers: Bonnie Bramlett of the duo Delaney & Bonnie, and Lowell George himself. The album marked an evolution in the band's sound, with new members including guitarist Paul Barrere and percussionist Sam Clayton, bringing a New Orleans-influenced flavour to their roots. Despite not making an impact on the Billboard 200, Dixie Chicken solidified Little Feat's reputation and remains a highlight in their discography.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Band | Little Feat |
| Album | Dixie Chicken |
| Release date | 25 January 1973 |
| Genre | Blues-rock, country, funk, soul, rock, New Orleans-style Dixieland |
| Songwriters | Lowell George, Martin Kibbee |
| Singers | Lowell George, Bonnie Bramlett |
| Band members | Lowell George, Kenny Gradney, Paul Barrere, Sam Clayton, Richie Hayward, Bill Payne |
| Bassist | Kenny Gradney |
| Guitarist | Paul Barrere |
| Percussionist | Sam Clayton |
| Drummer | Richie Hayward |
| Keyboardist | Bill Payne |
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What You'll Learn
Little Feat's evolution in sound
The release of their third studio album, "Dixie Chicken" in 1973, marked a significant evolution in their sound. The departure of bassist Roy Estrada and the addition of new members, including bassist Kenny Gradney, guitarist Paul Barrere, and percussionist Sam Clayton, brought a New Orleans funk influence to their music. The rhythms became quicker and busier, and the grooves looser and more syncopated, adding a new dimension to their Americana roots.
The album "Dixie Chicken" was a turning point for Little Feat, showcasing their ability to blend various genres and create a unique sound. It cemented their place as musicians' musicians and set them on a path to mainstream success, despite not initially impacting the Billboard 200. The title track became an FM-radio staple and a popular cover choice, further spreading their influence.
However, internal tensions arose due to creative differences. George favoured a stripped-down, rootsy sound, while other members leaned towards a jazzier, more improvisational style. This shift in musical direction is evident in their subsequent albums, such as "The Last Record Album" (1975) and "Down on the Farm" (1979), with the latter being co-produced by George but released posthumously following his untimely death.
Despite the changes in lineup and internal struggles, Little Feat continued to evolve and thrive. Their sound continued to blend blues, rock, and funk with jazz influences, as showcased in their live album "Waiting for Columbus" (1978) and subsequent releases like "Representing the Mambo" (1990). Their evolution spanned decades, with the band still performing and releasing new music, solidifying their place as one of the most acclaimed and exciting acts in rock music.
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Lowell George's leadership
Singer, songwriter, and producer, Lowell George, was the founder and leader of the band Little Feat. George formed the band in Los Angeles in 1969, and their sound was founded in the blues, with elements of country, funk, soul, and rock. George was a creative force in the band, and his influence dominated their third album, Dixie Chicken.
George's leadership in the band was evident in the creative direction he took the group in. He was a songwriter and musician, and his deep, distinctive voice was a defining feature of Dixie Chicken. The album saw the band evolve their sound, moving away from blues-rock towards a more New Orleans-influenced style. This evolution was due in large part to George's championing of new members, including bassist Kenny Gradney and percussionist Sam Clayton, who brought a New Orleans heritage to the band's arrangements.
George was also responsible for bringing guitarist Paul Barrere into the band in 1972. Barrere contributed the song Walkin' All Night to Dixie Chicken. George's leadership was also demonstrated in his willingness to experiment with new sounds and collaborate with other artists. He briefly considered putting Little Feat on hold to work with former Lovin' Spoonful singer John Sebastian and Phil Everly on a three-part harmony project.
Despite the success of Dixie Chicken, there was a lot of tension within the band, and they broke up in 1979, two months before George's death. Little Feat reformed in 1987, and their classic album Dixie Chicken remains a testament to George's leadership and creative vision.
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The album's commercial performance
Little Feat's third studio album, Dixie Chicken, was released on 25 January 1973. Despite opening with the band's unofficial signature song, Dixie Chicken, the album did not make an impact on the Billboard 200.
The album solidified Little Feat's reputation, with the band edging into the mainstream while retaining their classic lineup. The title track proved to be a popular cover choice, with the band's sound evolving to include a New Orleans-influenced flavour.
Despite the band's success, it was a turbulent time for Little Feat. Bandleader and founder Lowell George passed away in 1979, two months after the group broke up. The album's lineup also included bassist Kenny Gradney, guitarist Paul Barrere, and percussionist Sam Clayton.
Dixie Chicken has been described as a timeless classic and a highlight of the band's discography. The album has endured as a favourite among fans, with its mix of blues, country, funk, soul, and rock. It captures the band at the peak of their creative powers, with George as the dominant force.
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The song's inspiration
Little Feat's "Dixie Chicken" is the title track of their third album, which was released on January 25, 1973. The song was written by Lowell George and Martin Kibbee, who is credited as "Fred Martin." The pair were in a band together before Little Feat formed. The lyrics were inspired by a sign in Los Angeles advertising a restaurant with the name "Dixie Chicken." Kibbee recalled, "Lowell and I had been up all night trying to write a song. [...] As I was leaving, there was a chicken place with a sign that said, 'Dixie Chicken.'"
The song features Bonnie Bramlett of the duo Delaney & Bonnie on lead vocals, alongside Lowell George. The addition of new band members, including bassist Kenny Gradney, guitarist Paul Barrere, and percussionist Sam Clayton, brought a New Orleans-influenced flavour to the band's sound, moving away from their previous blues-rock style. This new direction, combined with the songwriting talents of George and Kibbee, resulted in "Dixie Chicken" becoming a popular cover choice and inspiring at least one other band's name, "The Dixie Chicks."
The song and the album it lent its name to marked a turning point for Little Feat, solidifying their reputation and showcasing their musical evolution. Despite not making an impact on the Billboard 200, "Dixie Chicken" became a highlight of their discography and a favourite among fans. The title track's popularity endured, and it has been recognised as one of the band's signature songs.
The success of "Dixie Chicken" also contributed to the band's mainstream recognition, and they spent much of the ensuing decade as one of rock's most consistently acclaimed and exciting acts. The song's influence extended beyond Little Feat, as evidenced by the country group "The Dixie Chicks" (formed in 1989) naming themselves after the song. In 2020, they changed their name to "The Chicks" in response to the #BlackLivesMatter movement, removing the word "Dixie" with its associations to the Confederate-era South and slavery.
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The band's lineup changes
Little Feat's album "Dixie Chicken" was released on January 25, 1973, and was the band's third studio album. The album marked a shift in the band's sound, influenced by the addition of new members: guitarist Paul Barrere, percussionist Sam Clayton, and bassist Kenny Gradney, who replaced former bassist Roy Estrada. Gradney's New Orleans heritage brought a funky, syncopated feel to the band's arrangements, enhancing their Americana roots.
Prior to the release of "Dixie Chicken," the band underwent a period of transition. Original member Lowell George, the band's frontman, songwriter, and producer, contemplated putting Little Feat aside to work on other projects. George considered collaborating with former Lovin' Spoonful singer John Sebastian and Phil Everly on a three-part harmony project. However, these plans did not come to fruition, and George continued to lead Little Feat.
The addition of Barrere, Clayton, and Gradney to the lineup stabilized the band and contributed to the evolution of their sound. Paul Barrere joined the band in 1972 and remained a member for almost 50 years until his passing in 2019. Sam Clayton and Kenny Gradney, formerly of Delaney & Bonnie's band, brought a New Orleans-influenced flavor to the group's new material.
Despite the success of "Dixie Chicken", tensions persisted within the band. In 1979, Little Feat disbanded, and two months later, Lowell George passed away while touring as a solo artist. The band reformed in 1987, and their music continued to influence subsequent generations of musicians.
The lineup changes that occurred prior to and during the creation of "Dixie Chicken" were pivotal in shaping the band's sound and trajectory. The new members brought fresh ideas and influences, moving the band's sound away from its rawer, blues-rock roots towards a more syncopated, New Orleans-inspired style. These changes solidified Little Feat's reputation and laid the foundation for their enduring legacy in the world of rock music.
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Frequently asked questions
The song "Dixie Chicken" was performed by Little Feat. Bandleader Lowell George wrote the song with Martin Kibbee, who is credited under the pseudonym Fred Martin. Bonnie Bramlett of the duo Delaney & Bonnie sang lead on this song with Lowell George.
The album featured a new lineup, with Kenny Gradney on bass, and guitarist Paul Barrere and percussionist Sam Clayton.
The new band members altered the Little Feat sound, triggering an evolution away from the rawer approach captured on the first two albums. The grooves they explored took on a much looser, more syncopated feel, adding a New Orleans-influenced flavour to the new material.
