Fred Tackett

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Fred Tackett
Fred Tackett in 2009
Fred Tackett in 2009
Background information
Born (1945-08-30) August 30, 1945 (age 76)
OriginLittle Rock, Arkansas
GenresRock, southern rock, blues, Americana, Swamp rock
Occupation(s)Musician, Songwriter
InstrumentsGuitar, Mandolin, Trumpet, Vocals
Years active1972–present
LabelsWarner Bros. Records
CMC International
Tower Records/Hot Tomato Imprint
Antilles Records
Associated actsLittle Feat, Phil Lesh, Lowell George, Ron Holloway, Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett Duo
Websitepaulandfred.com

Fred Tackett (born August 30, 1945) is an American songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Originally a session player on guitar, mandolin, and trumpet, he is best known as a member of the band Little Feat.

In addition to his work with Little Feat, Tackett has played and recorded with many notable artists, Bob Dylan and Jimmy Webb among them. He had an additional side project with another member of Little Feat; he performed as part of a duo with Paul Barrere, as Paul and Fred.

Association with Little Feat[]

Tackett's association with Little Feat goes back to a friendship with the founder of the band, Lowell George at the time of its inception. Working as a session player for other musicians, he continued his friendship with the bandmates, and contributed a song Fool Yourself to their third album Dixie Chicken as well as acoustic guitar. He also contributed guitar to their sixth album Time Loves a Hero.

In 1979 he co-wrote songs with Lowell George for both George's first (and only) solo project Thanks, I'll Eat It Here, and Little Feat's album Down on the Farm. It was during work on the latter that the group's break-up was announced. Lowell George died shortly afterwards.

In 1983, he performed on the Antilles Records release Swingrass '83.[1]

Joining Little Feat[]

In 1988 Little Feat reformed despite the absence of their former front man, and prolific singer, songwriter, and slide guitarist, Lowell George. The regrouped Little Feat included former members Paul Barrere, Richie Hayward, Bill Payne, Kenny Gradney, and Sam Clayton, with the addition of Tackett and Craig Fuller. All had been former members of Little Feat, except Fuller and Tackett, who had previously made songwriting contributions and session work for the band. Fuller left in 1993, to be replaced by female vocalist Shaun Murphy who remained with the group, until 2009. Tackett has remained with Little Feat since the day he joined, and has become an integral member of the band.

Fred Tackett has played a pivotal role in Little Feat's music. In addition to his guitar work, he plays trumpet and mandolin and has co-written several of their songs, forging an active and regular writing partnership with Paul Barrere which has produced such songs as "Marginal Creatures" and "Night On The Town". The 2003 album Kickin' It at the Barn featured Tackett's debut as a lead vocalist on his own song "In A Town Like This" which was also the title track from his solo debut album released that year.

Paul and Fred[]

Paul & Fred playing as a duo

Tackett's writing partnership with Barrere has developed into a separate act where the two performed as a duo. This has produced two live albums and a DVD. They have also spent time between gigs when touring to perform in local radio stations, playing songs that do not require a lot of changing of instruments, to travel as lightly as possible.

Discography[]

As Little Feat session musician[]

As Little Feat group member[]

Little Feat Live albums[]

Little Feat Live compilations[]

  • 2002
  • 2002

Paul and Fred[]

Solo[]

  • 2003
  • 2010

Collaborations[]

With Peter Allen

With Thelma Houston

With Kenny Loggins

With Boz Scaggs

With Carole Bayer Sager

With Steve Harley

  • Hobo with a Grin (EMI, 1978)

With Tanya Tucker

With Livingston Taylor

With Richard Harris

With Alfie Boe

  • Trust (Decca Records, 2013)

With Clint Black

With Judy Collins

With Brenda Russell

With Helen Reddy

With Janis Ian

  • Restless Eyes (Columbia Records, 1981)

With Harry Nilsson

With Arlo Guthrie

  • Power of Love (Warner Bros. Records, 1981)

With Eddie Rabbitt

With Linda Ronstadt

  • We Ran (Elektra Records, 1998)

With A. J. Croce

With Rickie Lee Jones

With Michael Martin Murphey

With Richard Thompson

With Valerie Carter

With Deborah Allen

With Lionel Richie

With Nicolette Larson

With Cher and Gregg Allman

With Glen Campbell

With Elkie Brooks

With Rod Stewart

  • Atlantic Crossing (Warner Bros. Records, 1975)
  • A Night on the Town (Warner Bros. Records, 1976)
  • Blondes Have More Fun (Warner Bros. Records, 1978)

With Juice Newton

With Mary MacGregor

With Michael McDonald

With Bette Midler

With Barbra Streisand

  • Wet (Columbia Records, 1979)

With Eric Carmen

With J. D. Souther

With Kenny Rogers

With Johnny Rivers

  • Outside Help (Big Tree Records, 1977)

With Van Dyke Parks

  • Jump! (Warner Bros. Records, 1984)

With Ringo Starr

  • Stop and Smell the Roses (RCA Records, 1981)

With Debby Boone

With Bonnie Raitt

With Aaron Neville

  • The Grand Tour (A&M Records, 1993)

With Dolly Parton

With Barry Manilow

  • Barry (Arista Records, 1980)

With Christine Lakeland

  • Veranda (Comet Records, 1984)

With Van Dyke Parks and Brian Wilson

With Leo Sayer

With Rita Coolidge

With Collin Raye

With Jackson Browne

With Cher

  • Stars (Warner Bros. Records, 1975)

With Vince Gill

With Neil Diamond

With Jennifer Warnes

With Tom Waits

With Paul Anka

  • The Music Man (United Artists Records, 1977)
  • Headlines (RCA Victor, 1979)

With Carly Simon

With Ted Gärdestad

With Jimmy Webb

With Joan Baez

With Joe Dassin

With Bob Dylan

With Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton

  • Once Upon a Christmas (RCA Records, 1984)

References[]

  1. ^ Allmusic review

External links[]

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