Rad Gumbo

The Zoo Crew is spinning Rad Gumbo by Little Feat from their 1990 album Representing the Mambo, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks grooving with its funky, New Orleans-inspired vibe. This song, written by Bill Payne, Paul Barrere, Martin Kibbee, Sam Clayton, Ken Gradney, and Neon Park, captures the essence of a lively gumbo cookout at the fictional Club Rad Gumbo. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a mama cooking up a storm with a roux that “really rocks,” using shellfish stock and garlic to create a dish that draws folks from miles around. According to the band’s commentary on their official site, the song’s playful energy reflects their love for blending rock, blues, and Cajun influences, a hallmark of their sound since the 1970s.

One piece of trivia about Rad Gumbo comes from a 1990 interview with Paul Barrere, where he shared that the song was inspired by a real-life crawfish boil the band attended in Louisiana during a tour break. The event’s communal spirit and spicy flavors stuck with them, leading to the song’s creation as a tribute to Southern hospitality and culinary tradition. On Little Feat’s Facebook, a 2020 post celebrated the song’s 30th anniversary, sharing a fan’s story about dancing to it at a New Orleans jazz club, calling it “the ultimate party anthem.” The band’s X account also retweeted a fan’s video in 2023 of a cover band jamming to the track at a local bar, showing its enduring appeal among fans.

Little Feat got their start in 1969 in Los Angeles, founded by Lowell George and Bill Payne after George left Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention. According to their bio on their official website, George, a gifted singer and slide guitarist, met Payne, a versatile keyboardist, and the two bonded over their shared love of blues, rock, and R&B. They recruited Roy Estrada and Richie Hayward to form the original lineup, naming the band after a comment Zappa made about George’s “little feet.” Their 1971 self-titled debut album, featuring tracks like Willin’, showcased their unique blend of rootsy grooves and witty songwriting, earning them a cult following. Despite lineup changes and George’s passing in 1979, the band continued under Payne and Barrere’s leadership, with albums like Representing the Mambo proving their staying power.

You can keep up with Little Feat on their official website, where they post tour dates and merchandise, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos and fan interactions. Their X account is active with updates on new releases and retweets from fans. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, the Little Feat Fans Facebook Group is a lively community sharing concert memories and rare recordings. The fan-run site Featbase is another great resource, offering a detailed archive of the band’s setlists and history, perfect for diving deeper into their legacy.