Who Is Dusty Hill? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Dusty Hill was born on May 19, 1949, and sadly passed away on July 28, 2021. At the time of his death, he was 72 years old. Hill was best known as the bassist and co-founder of the legendary rock band ZZ Top, which formed in 1969 and became synonymous with Texas rock music. Known for his signature long beard and sunglasses, Hill made a lasting impact on the rock genre and left behind a legacy celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 19, 1949 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 28 July, 2021 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Dusty Hill's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Dusty Hill stood approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall, and throughout his career, he maintained a weight of around 180 lbs (82 kg). His larger-than-life personality was matched by his distinct fashion sense, often featuring denim, cowboy hats, and his iconic beard, which became a defining characteristic of his appearance.
In 2000, Hill was diagnosed with hepatitis C and ZZ Top canceled their European tour. Hill resumed work in 2002. Hill was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of ZZ Top in 2004. In 2014, Hill fell on his tour bus and injured his hip, requiring surgery. Part of the tour was canceled.
On July 23, 2021, Hill left a tour due to problems with his hip. The band performed without him at the Village Commons in New Lenox, Illinois, with the band's guitar tech Elwood Francis on bass per Hill's request. Gibbons later confirmed that Hill had recorded bass and vocals for ZZ Top's upcoming sixteenth album before his death.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Though Dusty Hill was private about his personal life, he was known to be married to his long-time partner, who often supported him during his music career. The couple reportedly enjoyed a close-knit relationship, and their bond was evident during various public appearances. As of his passing, he left behind a loving family and a dedicated fanbase that will always remember his contributions to music.
He and his older brother Rocky, also a musician, were raised in the Lakewood neighborhood of East Dallas. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School, where he played the cello.
Like his future bandmates, Hill grew up listening to blues music, which he said was uncommon in white families; he recalled shocking the parents of his childhood friends when he brought records by Muddy Waters or Son House to their houses.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Dusty Hill's net worth was estimated to be around $60 million. This impressive figure is attributed to his successful career with ZZ Top, including album sales, music royalties, and extensive touring. In addition to his music career, Hill also had business ventures that contributed to his wealth, including investments in various industries.
Career, Business, and Investments
Dusty Hill's career spanned over five decades, during which he and ZZ Top produced numerous chart-topping albums and hits, including classics like "La Grange" and "Gimme All Your Lovin'." The band's unique blend of blues, rock, and humor earned them a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, solidifying their status in rock history.
Outside of music, Hill had investments in several businesses and was involved in charitable activities benefiting music education and community support. His entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to diversify his income and maintain financial stability throughout his life.
Social Network
Dusty Hill was not particularly active on social media compared to some of his contemporaries. However, he did have a presence on various platforms where fans could share their love and memories of him. ZZ Top's official accounts continue to honor his legacy, keeping fans updated on the band's activities and commemorating Hill's contributions posthumously.
Rock musicians and contemporaries paid condolences through social media, including Paul Stanley, Ozzy Osbourne, John Fogerty, Flea, Zakk Wylde, Warren Haynes, Tony Iommi, David Coverdale, Scorpions, Foghat, Brian May, Kentucky Headhunters, Blackberry Smoke, Steve Miller Band, 38 Special, and the Allman Brothers Band.
On August 6, Hill was featured in the BBC Radio 4 obituary program Last Word. Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson said he had been asked by Hill's widow to give the eulogy at the funeral service. Hill was buried in a private service on August 7, 2021, at Forest Park The Woodlands Cemetery in The Woodlands, Texas.
Education
While specific details about Dusty Hill's education are limited, it's widely known that he began playing music at a young age, influenced by the blues and rock genres. He honed his skills through dedication and practice, ultimately becoming a staple in the music community. His passion for music and natural talent propelled him into one of the most recognizable figures in rock history.
Hill began singing for money with his older brother Rocky at the age of 8. Dusty took up bass at the age of 13, when Rocky formed a band with a drummer and asked Dusty to play bass for them. Unlike many bassists, he did not learn to play guitar first.
He said, "I kind of learned how to play on stage and whatnot, and embarrassment is a great motivator.
If you don't play well, standing up there with lights on, it really stands out, so it behooves you to get your shit up pretty quick." He did not enjoy school, and achieved poor grades; according to Hill, "Part of the problem was that by the time I was 13 I was already playing in local bars, so school kinda got in the way of that and I resented it."
