Fred Tackett

Fred Tackett
Fred Tackett in 2009
Background information
Born	(1945-08-30) August 30, 1945 (age 71)
Origin	Little Rock, Arkansas
Genres	Rock, southern rock, blues, Americana, Swamp rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, Songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, Mandolin, Trumpet, Vocals
Years active	1972–present
Labels	Warner Bros. Records CMC International Tower Records/Hot Tomato Imprint Antilles Records
Associated acts	Little Feat, Phil Lesh, Lowell George, Ron Holloway, Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett Duo
Website	paulandfred.com

Fred Tackett (born August 30, 1945) an American native of Arkansas, is an accomplished 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 the Little Feat, Tackett has played and recorded with many notable artists, Jimmy Webb among them. He has an additional side project with another member of Little Feat; he performs as part of a duo with Paul Barrere, as Paul and Fred.

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.

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.