Classic rock fans were crushed Wednesday to learn of the death of ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill. The famously long-bearded bassist – along with “twin” Billy Gibbons – are among the most famous faces of rock and roll, even if you could barely see them through all the hair and “cheap sunglasses,” and casual fans couldn’t tell the difference between the two on stage.
Hill died at age 72, no cause was given, though his bandmates tweeted: “We are saddened by the news today that our compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX. 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.”
Born Joseph Michael Hill, “Dusty,” along with Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard (ironic that he’s the one without a beard) formed the band in 1969 and had stayed together unchanged for over 50 years.
Success with hits songs like “La Grange,” (my all-time favourite), “Tush,” “Legs,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’” ensued, along with million-selling albums, throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s and the band became a staple on MTV with videos featuring hot cars and equally hot girls, and, of course, their raunchy, blues-fuelled rock.
ZZ Top were inducted in the Rock and Roll of Fame in 2004 by none other than Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who said, “These cats are steeped in the blues, so am I. These cats know their blues and they know how to dress it up. When I first saw them, I thought, ‘I hope these guys are not on the run, because that disguise is not going to work.’”
True – after all, everybody’s crazy about a Sharp Dressed Man.
Lyrics
Clean shirt, new shoes
And I don’t know where I am goin’ to
Silk suit, black tie
I don’t need a reason why
They come runnin’ just as fast as they can
‘Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man
Gold watch, diamond ring
I ain’t missin’ not a single thing
And cufflinks, stick pin
When I step out, I’m gonna do you in
They come runnin’ just as fast as they can
‘Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man
Top coat, top hat
Well I don’t worry ’cause my wallet’s fat
Black shades, white gloves
Lookin’ sharp and lookin’ for love
They come runnin’ just as fast as they can
‘Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man