Farewell Dusty Hill, historic bassist of iconic ZZ Top

Mourning in the music world. Farewell to ZZ Top’s historic long-bearded bassist Dusty Hill: he passed away at the age of 72 at his home in Texas. Announcing his passing were bandmates Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons: “We are very sad to break the news today that our Comrade, Dusty Hill, passed away in his sleep at his home in Houston, Texas. We, as well as ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your lively presence, your good nature, and your unwavering commitment to your monumental sound in the Tops. We will be forever linked to that ’Blues Shuffle in C’. You will be greatly missed, amigo. Frank and Billy.” The cause of death is not yet known; Hill passed away in his sleep at his home. The group was still going strong, as well as touring: only a few days ago, on July 24, Hill had to stop because of a hip injury.

Born in 1949 in Dallas, Texas, Joseph Michael Hill, nicknamed “Dusty,” along with fellow guitarist Billy Gibbons, was known for his long beard and flamboyant attire (he always wore dark glasses, cowboy hats, and elaborately embellished suits), as well as for the unmistakable style of ZZ Top, which also stands out in the rock music scene because since the year of its founding, 1969, they have always maintained the same lineup, supplemented by drummer Frank Beard, who curiously, despite his last name (“Beard” means “beard” in English) is also the only member of the group who does not sport the beard of the others.

ZZ Top’s music has fused the sounds of blues and country with those of rock: in a career spanning more than fifty years, Dusty Hill and co. have created such unforgettable tunes as La Grange (perhaps their best-known song), Tush, Gimme all your lovin’, Sharp dressed man, Legs, and other hits carved into rock history. In 2004 Hill’s group also entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Farewell Dusty Hill, historic bassist of iconic ZZ Top

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