Rock and Roll Doctor-Lowell George: Guitarist, Songwriter, and Founder of Little Feat [Paperback]

Mark Brend (Author), Little Feat (Author), Lowell George (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2002

The late Lowell George is best known as the lead singer, slide guitarist, songwriter and producer of Little Feat. George's humor and surreal lyrics became a Little Feat trademark, making songs like "Fat Man in the Bathtub" and "Dixie Chicken" unforgettable. Rock and Roll Doctor explores the genius that animated Little Feat - from George's early bands to his work with Frank Zappa, landmark albums such as Feats Don't Fail Me Now and The Last Record Album, and his later production work with Linda Ronstadt and the Grateful Dead. George's colorful childhood is covered in depth - as is his solo career after Little Feat that was cut short tragically. Each Little Feat album is treated to a separate chapter that examines the development of every song - how it was conceived, recorded and produced. The analysis of Little Feat's complex rhythms will fascinate musicians and fans alike. inch.Lowell George was the best singer, songwriter and guitar player I have ever heard, hands down, in my life. inch. - Bonnie Raitt

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Backbeat Books (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879307269
• ISBN-13: 978-0879307264
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #587,558 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Lowell would laugh at this one..., April 30, 2006

By 

kokomo "koko" (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rock and Roll Doctor-Lowell George: Guitarist, Songwriter, and Founder of Little Feat (Paperback)

I was a friend of Lowell's.

I found this book extremely disappointing. It seems as if the author did some online research and talked to a couple of people that knew the band.

The claim of providing insight into the origination of the songs was almost completely bogus.

Even worse was the lack of factual and personal information about Lowell himself. Shoot, if I described the time we spent together and recalled the stories he told me you would have a much better idea as to who he was.

I agree with the person that wrote that it is better than nothing, but not by much. Lowell deserves a documentary on film and it is my intent to make one, if it's the last thing I do

Lastly, I was with Lowell when he wrote "Kokomo". The song happens to be about me. I never had much of a poker face and Lowell would often laugh at my expressions. He also liked my perfume and knew that I was a friend with many other musicians at the time. Regardless, he knew that he was my best friend and that my loyalty was to him and him alone.

He was the best man I've ever known. He had an incredible sense of humor. He was a man of honor and integrity. The wheels were always turning inside his brilliant mind. He read Scientific American Magazine in his spare time and listened to "World Music" before it was even coined as that.

He had an amazing amount of charisma and it was interesting to watch both men and women compete for his attentions. Most anyone that came in contact with him was drawn to him.

He was that kind of guy. He was generous and kind, talented and humble. Exuding an absolutely magnetic and magical energy to those around him.

It's a real shame that no one realized how sick he was before he went on the road in 1979'. When I saw pictures of him taken a month before he died, I cried. Shaking my head in wonder that those close to him could not see in his face that he was not well. It seemed so obvious, especially when I compared those pictures to ones taken of him 6 months earlier.

But sometimes we don't see that which is right in front of us.
I promise my documentary will provide considerable more insight, into this amazing and talented individual.

I know the band as well and when I contacted them about being involved in his documentary they did not respond. So, sadly they may choose to remain silent. But many of his other friends will be glad to contribute to this project.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Hopefully not the last Lowell George Book, April 21, 2003

By 

C. Moore-Whitney "pawcamvt" (VT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rock and Roll Doctor-Lowell George: Guitarist, Songwriter, and Founder of Little Feat (Paperback)

I love Lowell Georges music. I love the work that Little Feat did with him at the helm of that great band. I bought this book, like others, because it was about Lowell & his music. It is clear that the author wanted a chance to review every song and every little contribution that Lowell made to them. But I'm not sure that he particularly liked many of the songs. There are a lot of quotes from the Lovin Spoonful alums, and very little from Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, and other names most Feat fans associate with the original Little Feat, and Lowell George. If you are the type of fan that likes to sing along and tap your feat to the great licks, if you have been listening to Little Feat for as long as you can remember, don't buy this book. You'll probably find you favorite song shredded by this complete review of the music you love, by someone who isn't as interested in the sum as he is in the parts. This isn't a biography, it's more like a revisionist history. Lowell should be listened to not picked apart. Long Live Lowell George!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The only Lowell George biography, August 13, 2005

By 

Andrew Rapisarda (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rock and Roll Doctor-Lowell George: Guitarist, Songwriter, and Founder of Little Feat (Paperback)

This book read somewhat like a textbook, however, it is the only biography of Lowell George that I am aware of. Because of that, I think it is worth the purchase. Although not the most exciting book, I wanted to learn more about Lowell George and it helped me do just that. Also, in the back of the book there is a list of all the known collaborations and session work that Lowell George did throughout his career, which is useful in exploring more work by the Doctor.