In Memoriam
Dusty Hill
May 19, 1949 – July 28, 2021 · aged 72
Blues Rock · Hard Rock
Joseph Michael 'Dusty' Hill was the sunglasses-wearing, heavily bearded bassist and co-vocalist who anchored the unstoppable Texas boogie-rock machine known as ZZ Top. Born in Dallas in 1949, Hill linked up with guitarist Billy Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard in 1969 to form a power trio that miraculously maintained its original lineup for over 50 years. Hill's driving, locked-in basslines and soaring tenor vocals perfectly complemented Gibbons' gritty blues riffs, driving 1970s classics like 'La Grange' and 'Tush.' In the 1980s, the band famously embraced synthesizers, transforming themselves into MTV superstars with the massive, polished grooves of 'Gimme All Your Lovin'' and 'Sharp Dressed Man.' Despite their global fame, Hill remained fiercely loyal to his Texas roots and his famously laid-back, humorous persona. He passed away in his sleep at his Houston home on July 28, 2021, at the age of 72. At his explicit request, ZZ Top continued the tour without him, keeping the Texas boogie alive.
Milestones
La Grange, Gimme All Your Lovin', Sharp Dressed Man
Also remembered in 2021
- Charlie Watts (1941–2021)
- DMX (1970–2021)
- Joey Jordison (1975–2021)
- SOPHIE (1986–2021)