Sam Clayton brings the kind of percussion feel that makes a band breathe — not flashy, just powerful and musical, with deep groove and tons of color. Best known as Little Feat’s longtime percussionist, Clayton helped shape one of the most respected live sounds in American rock, where funk, roots, and New Orleans rhythm all meet.
Growing up, Clayton was influenced most by R&B and gospel, with early inspiration coming from players like Mongo Santamaria (especially his work with Cal Tjader). One of the moments that pulled him toward percussion came from seeing the conga player with the Lester Horton modern dancers “Zapata,” and it pushed him toward the congas and the sound world that would later define his career.
His path into making music a living started in a very real-world way. Clayton was laid off from an electro-mechanical engineering drafting job, and at the “termination party” he was invited to sit in for one song with the club band. After the performance, the bandleader asked him to keep playing the rest of the night — then called him the next day and offered him work with the band Formula 5. Clayton said yes, and the rest became his life. He also worked briefly with Little Richard early on, adding even more muscle to his musical roots.
Clayton joined Little Feat in the early 1970s and became a core part of the band’s personality and live identity. Beyond adding percussion color — congas, bongos, timbales, and “toys” — he helped shape the band’s feel onstage and contributed vocally as part of the full Little Feat sound. When asked what makes the Little Feat gig special, his answer was simple and perfect: “We play our own music.”
What he’s doing now: Clayton remains active with Little Feat, and the band continues to perform — but touring is entering the final chapter. In late 2025 Little Feat announced a 2026 run titled The Last Farewell Tour, framing it as the beginning of stepping away from full-time touring rather than a sudden stop. In other words: they’re still playing, still active, but openly winding down major touring.
Offstage, Clayton has spoken openly about his love of everyday creative projects — woodworking, electrical installations, listening to music, and caring for his saltwater aquarium (including a clownfish breeding tank). He’s also been involved in ocean conservation support through the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, connected through artist Robert Lyn Nelson and Clayton’s wife, Joni.
Recordings / credits: Clayton’s recorded legacy runs through decades of Little Feat studio and live releases, along with broader percussion activity. He’s also cited a favorite album he played on as “Average White Band,” reflecting the wide musical world he’s touched beyond Little Feat.
Gear: Conga drums (Gon Bops), plus a touring setup that commonly includes conga/tumba/conga, bongos, timbales, and additional percussion “toys.”
Sources: Gon Bops (Sam Clayton interview/profile); Little Feat (official website + tour page); Rolling Stone; Ultimate Classic Rock; Live For Live Music.
Update: 1/22/26
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