One of the founding members of American rock band Little Feat. He is considered to be one of the finest American piano rock and blues musicians. In addition to his trademark barrelhouse blues piano mastery, he is also notable for his work on other keyboards, particularly the Hammond B3 organ.

Payne has worked and recorded with many other musicians including J.J. Cale, the Doobie Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Bryan Adams, Pink Floyd, Bob Seger, Toto, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks and David Lindley. However, although he has been in the music business for more than 30 years, playing on more than 350 records, he did not release a solo album until the all-instrumental Cielo Norte in 2005.