Joe Michael "Dusty" Hill
(May 19, 1949 – July 28, 2021)
was an American
musician who was
the bassist of
the rock band
for more than
50 years.
He also sang backing
and lead vocals
and played keyboards.
Hill was born in Dallas, Texas.
As a child,
he began performing music
with his brother,
Rocky Hill.
In 1968,
he and the drummer
Frank Beard
joined the guitarist
Billy Gibbons
in ZZ Top;
they went on to release albums
including the bestselling
Eliminator
(1983).
Hill favored
simple compositions and a
"big",
distorted sound.
Critics described
his basslines
as a critical part of
ZZ Top's sound,
complementing Gibbons'
guitar showmanship.
Hill was inducted into
the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame
as a member of
ZZ Top
in 2004.
Hill died in 2021
after a period of
declining health.
In line with his wishes,
he was succeeded by
the band's
longtime guitar tech
Elwood Francis.
