Bill Payne: podcast appearances and interviews

William H. Payne, born on March 12, 1949, is an American musician distinguished for his work as a pianist and keyboardist, as well as his involvement in rock and blues genres. He is recognized for his barrelhouse blues piano and his proficiency on the Hammond B3 organ. Payne co-founded the American rock band Little Feat with Lowell George and remains the sole living original member as of 2025. His songwriting credits include the track 'Oh, Atlanta.' Throughout his career, Payne has collaborated with numerous artists including J. J. Cale, Jimmy Buffett, the Doobie Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Bryan Adams, Pink Floyd, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, and others. He contributed as a guest performer on Bonnie Raitt's 1977 album Sweet Forgiveness, which he also wrote the track 'Takin' My Time.'

Payne has performed live with various acts, notably playing several concerts with Phil Lesh and Friends between October 1999 and July 2000. From 2014 to December 2015, he was a member of the Boulder-based band Leftover Salmon. In August 2015, he was selected to play keyboards for The Doobie Brothers during a period when their designated keyboardist, Guy Allison, was unavailable. He later rejoined the band as a touring member in December 2015, appearing with them on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and performing with Michael McDonald. His touring tenure with the band ended in early September 2015 after a concert at the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey.