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