Little Feat releases pair of Christmas singles
Little Feat has released two Christmas songs, a new version of “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'” and the band’s first original holiday recording, “Christmas in Treme’,” featuring Maggie Rose. Both tracks are available now on digital streaming platforms via Hot Tomato Productions.
Originally written by Sir Mack Rice and popularized by Albert King, “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'” features Little Feat percussionist Sam Clayton on lead vocals. The recording incorporates slide guitar, piano, and the band’s signature blend of blues, rock, and funk.
Clayton previously handled lead vocals on Little Feat’s Grammy-nominated blues album, Sam’s Place.
“We had a blast recording this song at Sputnik Sound in Nashville. It gave us a chance to reunite with Vance Powell, for one. It was familiar territory for us, as we recorded ‘Strike Up the Band’ there. The song fits right into Little Feat’s world. Great energy from the top! Sam Clayton nails it, and the band is on fire! With gratitude to Brian Penix, our manager, for turning us on to it,” said keyboardist Bill Payne.
The band has also released a music video for “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’,” directed by Joshua Britt and Neilson Hubbard of Neighborhoods Apart.
The second release, “Christmas in Treme’,” is an original song written by Little Feat guitarists Fred Tackett and Scott Sharrard. Inspired by New Orleans, the track features Sharrard sharing lead vocals with Maggie Rose.
Both songs were recorded at Sputnik Sound in Nashville and produced by Vance Powell, Sharrard, and Payne. The recordings feature Little Feat’s current lineup of Payne on keyboards, Kenny Gradney on bass, Clayton on percussion, Tackett and Sharrard on guitars, and Tony Leone on drums and percussion. Rose also provides backing vocals on “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’,” alongside Austin Marshall.
The new music arrives as Little Feat continues its Last Farewell Tour, which is scheduled to conclude in 2027. The band has explained that the tour marks its retirement from extensive touring rather than an end to recording music. Additional concert dates are expected to be announced.
Little Feat also has several projects scheduled for 2027, including Payne’s memoir, Carnival Ghosts: A Memoir of Life, Loss and Rebirth with Little Feat, which will be published by Regalo Press on February 16.
“Writing a book is like writing a symphony—several of them,” Payne shared. “Lots of threads over a lifetime to connect. My journey as a musician would not have taken place without the person I dedicate my book to: Ruth Neuman, my piano teacher. Everyone needs a mentor, Ruth was mine. The rest is history.”
The memoir covers Payne’s early musical development, the formation of Little Feat, the band’s history, and his work with artists including The Doobie Brothers, James Taylor, Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Buffett, and B.B. King.
Additionally, Little Feat: The Documentary, directed by Jesse Lauter, has been screening at film festivals throughout 2026. An international and streaming release is planned for 2027.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1969, Little Feat has built a catalog that includes songs such as “Willin’,” “Dixie Chicken,” and “Oh, Atlanta,” along with the acclaimed live album Waiting for Columbus. The band’s latest holiday recordings follow its recent albums Sam’s Place and Strike Up the Band.
