Career
He is considered by many other rock pianists, including Elton John, to be one of the finest American piano rock and blues music artists. In addition to his trademark barrelhouse blues piano, he is noted for his work on other keyboard instruments, particularly the Hammond B3 organization Payne has worked and recorded with other musicians including J. J. Cale, Doobie Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Bryan Adams, Pink Floyd, Bob Seger, Toto, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Helen Watson, Stevie Nicks, Shocking Edison, Robert Palmer and Stephen Bruton.
He was a guest performer on Bonnie Raitt"s album Sweet Forgiveness in 1977, and wrote its track, "Takin" My Time." Paul Barrere and Bill Payne played several live concerts with Philosophy Lesh and Friends, from October 1999 through July 2000.
In August 2015, Payne was selected to play keyboards for The Doobie Brothers after their keyboardist Guy Allison was called to work on an album project in Japan. In the few weeks of touring with the Doobies, he was featured with the band and Michael McDonald on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Payne"s temporary term ended in early September after the Doobies" concert at the BlackBerry&T Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey. Payne rejoined the Doobies as a touring member in December 2015, officially taking the position previously held by Allison.
Payne wrote or co-wrote many of the songs in Little Feat"s catalogue, including the following: "Snakes on Everything" "Strawberry Flats" "Truck-Stop Girl" "Brides of Jesus" "Tripe Face Boogie" "Got Number Shadow" "Oh, Atlanta" "Time Loves a Hero" "Gringo" "Takin" My Time" "Red Streamliner".