Southern fried Blues Rock legend Dusty Hill got a promotion to Rock and Roll Heaven in the early hours of Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The bass player and founding co-member of ZZ Top had reached the age of 72. The sad news was confirmed by an official statement released on behalf of the band which didn’t specify a particular cause.
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Music world mourns Dusty Hill
The entire music world and countless millions of fans are in mourning for Dusty Hill, described as “the longtime bassist for the band ZZ Top who performed with the band for more than 50 years.” He was pronounced deceased at his home in Houston, Texas.
According to the official statement on Instagram, ZZ Top members Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard paid glowing tribute to their close friend.
“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, Texas. We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top.’ We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C.’ You will be missed greatly, amigo.”
Martha Quinn, infamous as “one of MTV’s original veejays” tweeted out, Texas takes off its cowboy hat today. Rock and roll has been stopped in its tracks. Dusty Hill you will always be bad, nationwide and much missed.”
You don’t have to be a fan of blues rock to enjoy the unique style of ZZ Top and Hill was an integral part of their flair. Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea laments on Twitter, “Ahhhh man, I love Dusty Hill. A true rocker. What a straight jammer.”
Texas takes off its cowboy hat today. Rock and roll has been stopped in its tracks. Dusty Hill you will always be bad, nationwide, and much missed. My deepest condolences to the @ZZTop family, and to Dusty's loved ones who number many 🙏 https://t.co/aKTF3n9ESs
— Martha Quinn Ⓥ (@MarthaQuinn) July 28, 2021
Three men and their beards
ZZ Top has long had the nickname “three men and their beards.” Joseph Michael Hill, aka “Dusty” grew up in East Dallas and learned to play cello at Woodrow Wilson High School. Along with his brother Rocky, he started jamming with Frank Beard in local bands. The day that they met up with Billy Gibbons was a turning point in musical history. Gibbons and Hill are the ones with the long flowing beards. The drummer doesn’t have one, he is one. Frank Beard.
When the three of them decided to just start jamming one day and see where it goes, they started off what’s supposed to be a basic “shuffle in c.” The places they took that melody have become earthshakingly historical.
“Dusty then moved to Houston with Frank Beard and joined Billy Gibbons to form ZZ Top in 1969.” Hill is the bassist but provides a few vocals.
Billy Gibbons “performed the lead vocals of almost all” the rest. Dusty managed to appear in “films and television series including Back to the Future Part III (1990) and as himself in an episode of the eleventh season of King of the Hill (1997), in which Hank Hill is said to be Dusty’s cousin.”
John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival was heartbroken when he heard.
“We are devastated to hear about Dusty’s passing. We were so blessed to share the stage with the great Dusty and ZZ Top many times, and if that wasn’t rock & roll heaven, I don’t know what is. The show we did together just last week would be his last. So heartbreaking.”