Dusty Hill – Bass

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.

Hill cited the Cream bassist Jack Bruce and the jazz bassists Stanley Clarke and Charles Mingus as early influences. He said he once played more complicated bass parts but came to prioritize composition over complexity: “Sometimes you don’t even notice the bass – I hate that in a way, but I love that in a way. That’s a compliment. That means you’ve filled in everything and it’s right for the song, and you’re not standing out where you don’t need to be.” The New York Times described him as a “precise musical mechanic” complementing Gibbons’ “showy virtuoso”.