Dusty Hill: ZZ Top Bassist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dies at 72

Dusty Hill was an American musician, the bassist and co-lead vocalist of ZZ Top, one of rock's most recognizable bands. Born Joseph Michael Hill on May 19, 1949, in Dallas, Texas, he started performing as a child with his older brother Rocky.

Hill joined ZZ Top alongside guitarist Billy Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard, and the band released its first album in 1971. Their hits include "La Grange" (1973), "Tush" (1975), which Hill sang, and "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs" from Eliminator (1983), the band's bestselling album. ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Hill played bass for more than 50 years. Known for his long beard, he appeared in Back to the Future Part III and on King of the Hill. In 1984 he accidentally shot himself and fully recovered. He left a tour in July 2021 because of a hip problem, and he died in his sleep at his home in Houston, Texas, on July 28, 2021, at age 72.

Achievements: Joined ZZ Top (1969), Tres Hombres with "La Grange" (1973), Eliminator (1983), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with ZZ Top (2004).

Birth: May 19, 1949 - Dallas, Texas.

Profession: Bassist and singer.

Interesting Facts: He and Gibbons wore long beards for decades, though drummer Frank Beard did not. He asked guitar tech Elwood Francis to take over on bass.