History of Dusty Hill in Timeline

Joe Michael "Dusty" Hill was a prominent American musician, best known as the bassist for the iconic rock band ZZ Top. His tenure with the band spanned over five decades, during which he contributed significantly to their signature sound. Besides playing bass, Hill also provided backing and occasional lead vocals, showcasing his diverse musical talents. He sometimes played keyboards, further adding to the band's musical texture. His long-standing partnership with guitarist Billy Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard cemented ZZ Top's place in rock and roll history.

May 19, 1949: Birth of Dusty Hill

Dusty Hill was born on May 19, 1949, in Dallas, Texas.

1966: Early Bands and Texas Music Scene

From 1966 to 1968, Dusty Hill, his brother Rocky, and Frank Beard played in various local Dallas bands including the Warlocks, the Cellar Dwellers, and American Blues.

1968: Move to Houston and Joining ZZ Top

Following Rocky Hill's departure from American Blues, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard moved to Houston in 1968 to join Billy Gibbons in the newly formed ZZ Top.

1968: American Blues' Circuit Tour

In 1968, American Blues toured the Dallas-Fort Worth-Houston circuit.

1968: Dusty Hill Joins ZZ Top

In 1968, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard joined Billy Gibbons to form the iconic rock band ZZ Top.

1969: Fake Zombies and Texas Hair

Dusty Hill played with a fake version of The Zombies in 1969 and spoke out about the experience of being a long-haired musician in Texas in the '60s.

1969: ZZ Top's First Single

ZZ Top released their first single "Salt Lick" in 1969.

1971: ZZ Top's Debut Album

ZZ Top released their self-titled debut album in 1971, showcasing their signature humor and blues influences.

1972: Release of "Rio Grande Mud"

ZZ Top released their second album, "Rio Grande Mud", in 1972, which featured their first charting single, "Francine".

1973: Release of "Tres Hombres"

In 1973, ZZ Top released "Tres Hombres", solidifying their heavy blues style and featuring the hit single "La Grange".

1975: Release of "Fandango!"

ZZ Top released "Fandango!" in 1975, which included "Tush," their first Top 20 hit.

1976: ZZ Top's Hiatus and Hill's Airport Job

In 1976, ZZ Top went on hiatus. During this time, Dusty Hill worked at Dallas Airport.

1976: Release of "Tejas"

ZZ Top released the album "Tejas" in 1976, featuring several songs with Dusty Hill on lead vocals.

1979: ZZ Top's Return and New Image

ZZ Top returned in 1979 with the album "Degüello", sporting their iconic beards and sunglasses.

1983: Release of "Eliminator" and Rise to Stardom

The release of "Eliminator" in 1983 propelled ZZ Top to international stardom.

1983: Release of "Eliminator"

ZZ Top released their bestselling album "Eliminator" in 1983.

December 16, 1984: Accidental Shooting

Dusty Hill accidentally shot himself in the abdomen on December 16, 1984, but made a full recovery.

2000: Hepatitis C Diagnosis

Dusty Hill was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2000, leading to the cancellation of ZZ Top's European tour.

2002: Marriage to Charleen McCrory

Dusty Hill married actress Charleen McCrory in 2002.

2002: Return to Work after Illness

Dusty Hill returned to work with ZZ Top in 2002 after recovering from hepatitis C.

2004: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Dusty Hill was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of ZZ Top in 2004.

2004: ZZ Top's Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Dusty Hill was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of ZZ Top in 2004.

July 20, 2009: Appearance on WWE Raw

Dusty Hill appeared on WWE Raw on July 20, 2009.

2014: Hip Injury and Tour Cancellation

Dusty Hill injured his hip in a fall on his tour bus in 2014, requiring surgery and leading to a partial tour cancellation.

July 23, 2021: Departure from Tour

On July 23, 2021, Dusty Hill left ZZ Top's tour due to hip problems.

July 28, 2021: Death of Dusty Hill

Dusty Hill passed away on July 28, 2021.

August 7, 2021: Dusty Hill's Funeral

Dusty Hill's funeral and private burial took place on August 7, 2021, at Forest Park The Woodlands Cemetery in The Woodlands, Texas.

2021: Dusty Hill's Death and Succession

Following a period of declining health, Dusty Hill died in 2021. Elwood Francis, the band's longtime guitar tech, succeeded him.

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