R.I.P.: Dusty Hill, Bassist for Texas Trio ZZ Top

Dusty Hill 1949-2021

Dusty Hill, the bearded bassist for Texas trio ZZ Top, died in his sleep at his home in Houston. The Houston Chronicle reports the surviving members made the announcement Wednesday on Facebook.

"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," read a post from Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons.

Hill, who was born in Dallas, turned 72 Wednesday.

Condolences came in quickly from fellow musicians, including rock band Junkyard, Blue Mother Tupelo and Gary P. Nunn, who simply wrote, "Damn."

Rapper Bun B thanked Hill and ZZ Top for all the frat music and for helping make being a Texan cool" on social media.

On July 23, the band posted on its website that Hill was "on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue" while on tour. He was temporarily replaced by Elwood Francis, the band's longtime guitar tech.

Jesse Dayton wrote that he was "devastated." Michael Sweet, frontman for Stryper, called it "a real eye opener to see so many peers leaving us recently and what seems to be so suddenly."

Hill moved to Houston in the late '60s and formed ZZ Top with Gibbons and Beard. Together they released more than a dozen albums, combining blues, rock and an unmistakable Texas groove. They scored early hits with "La Grange" and "Tush" but had their biggest success in the '80s, infusing their gritty sound with more polished pop production. Music videos for Gimme All Your Lovin'," "Sharp Dressed Man", and "Legs" became MTV staples.

In 2004, ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame. The band's last album was 2012's "La Futura." They were working on new material the last few years.