Joseph Michael “Dusty” Hill, as the bassist of the rock group is called in full, was born in Dallas. He got into music in his early twenties along with his brother Rocky as guitarist, and Frank Beard on drums. After Rocky left, the group Moving Sidewalks rebranded as ZZ Top, fronted by guitarist Billy Gibbons. In that line-up, the American rock group ZZ Top has existed as a trio since 1970.
ZZ Top is a big name in the rock world. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Music magazine Rolling Stone also included Dusty Hill in their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
From a classic blues rock group in the 70s, ZZ Top evolved into a more commercial hard rock sound in the 80s and 90s, which also included Dusty Hill as a keyboardist. The worldwide breakthrough came with hits such as “Gimme All Your Lovin'” and “Sharp Dressed Man”.
Dusty Hill was the regular bassist for ZZ Top and sang the second voice on numerous songs. He also co-wrote the group’s music. With his long beard, hat and dark sunglasses, he was a remarkable presence on stage, with the necessary rock and roll.
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