Feature Photo:Birgit Fostervold from Arendal, Norge, CC BY-SA 2.0
ZZ Top roared onto the rock and roll scene straight out of Houston, Texas, in 1969, quickly becoming one of America’s most enduring and beloved rock bands. Their story began when guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons, fresh from the breakup of his psychedelic group Moving Sidewalks, teamed up with bassist Lanier Greig and drummer Dan Mitchell to form the original lineup. However, it wasn’t long before drummer Frank Beard and bassist-vocalist Dusty Hill joined forces with Gibbons, establishing the classic ZZ Top trio in 1970—a lineup that would remain remarkably stable for over five decades.
From the very beginning, ZZ Top embraced their roots in Texas blues, merging Gibbons’ gritty guitar work with Hill and Beard’s tight rhythm section. The band quickly secured a deal with London Records, releasing their debut album, ZZ Top’s First Album, in 1971. Their sound matured rapidly, leading to breakout commercial success with their third studio release, Tres Hombres (1973). The album featured the infectious hit “La Grange,” a song inspired by the famous Texas brothel, that rapidly climbed radio charts and became one of their defining anthems. ZZ Top’s follow-up record, Fandango! (1975), delivered another classic in “Tush,” further solidifying their reputation as authentic rockers with unmistakable Texas swagger.
By the mid-1970s, ZZ Top’s live performances had become legendary, highlighted by their extravagant Worldwide Texas Tour (1976–1977), complete with a traveling zoo featuring Texas wildlife. After a brief hiatus, the band returned in 1979 sporting a distinctive new look—matching sunglasses and long, iconic beards worn by Gibbons and Hill—which soon became their trademark. Musically, they also began exploring new sonic territory, integrating synthesizers and drum machines beginning with their 1981 release, El Loco.
ZZ Top’s commercial peak arrived with the massive success of Eliminator (1983), an album that catapulted them to international stardom. Driven by unforgettable hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs,” the record sold over 10 million copies, bolstered by groundbreaking music videos in heavy rotation on MTV. The success continued with Afterburner (1985), another multi-platinum album, featuring hits such as “Sleeping Bag” and “Stages.” The Afterburner Tour became the highest-attended and highest-grossing tour of 1986, underscoring ZZ Top’s global reach and widespread appeal.
Throughout their prolific career, ZZ Top has released 15 studio albums, selling over 50 million records worldwide. Their innovative fusion of blues-rock, boogie rhythms, and modern technology earned the band widespread acclaim. They have won three MTV Video Music Awards, and their immense contributions to rock music led to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Billy Gibbons’ masterful guitar work has also been widely celebrated; Rolling Stone ranked him 32nd among the greatest guitarists of all time, reflecting the respect he commands among fellow musicians and fans alike.
Tragedy struck the band in 2021 with the passing of longtime bassist Dusty Hill at age 72, marking the end of an incredible 51-year period without a lineup change—the longest-running original lineup in music history. Honoring Hill’s wishes, the band continued with their trusted guitar tech Elwood Francis stepping in on bass duties. More recently, in 2025, drummer Frank Beard announced he would temporarily step away from touring due to health concerns, leaving Gibbons as the only original member on the current tour.
Outside the stage and studio, ZZ Top has been consistently committed to charitable efforts. The band has supported organizations such as Childline, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Delta Blues Museum, reflecting their dedication to making a positive impact beyond their music. As they continue touring, ZZ Top’s lasting influence and relentless dedication to their craft have solidified their legacy as true American rock icons—beloved not only for their unforgettable sound and image but also for their enduring authenticity and generous spirit.
Complete List Of ZZ Top Songs From A to Z
- 2000 Blues – Recycler – 1990
- (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear (Live) – XXX – 1999
- 36-22-36 – XXX – 1999
- A Fool for Your Stockings – Degüello – 1979
- Alley-Gator – Mescalero – 2003
- Antenna Head – Antenna – 1994
- Apologies to Pearly (instrumental) – Rio Grande Mud – 1972
- Arrested for Driving While Blind – Tejas – 1976
- As Time Goes By – Mescalero (Hidden track) – 2003
- Asleep in the Desert – Tejas – 1976
- Avalon Hideaway – Tejas – 1976
- Bad Girl – Eliminator – 1983
- Backdoor Love Affair – ZZ Top’s First Album – 1971
- Backdoor Love Affair – Fandango! (Live) – 1975
- Backdoor Love Affair No. 2 – Fandango! (Live) – 1975
- Balinese – Fandango! – 1975
- Bang Bang – Rhythmeen – 1996
- Bar-B-Q – Rio Grande Mud – 1972
- Beatbox – XXX – 1999
- Bedroom Thang – ZZ Top’s First Album – 1971
- Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers – Tres Hombres – 1973
- Belt Buckle (Live) – XXX – 1999
- Big Shiny Nine – La Futura – 2012
- Black Fly – Rhythmeen – 1996
- Blue Jean Blues – Fandango! – 1975
- Breakaway – Antenna – 1994
- Brown Sugar – ZZ Top’s First Album – 1971
- Buck Nekkid – Mescalero – 2003
- Burger Man – Recycler – 1990
- Can’t Stop Rockin’ – Afterburner – 1985
- Certified Blues – ZZ Top’s First Album – 1971
- Chartreuse – La Futura – 2012
- Cheap Sunglasses – Degüello – 1979
- Cherry Red – Antenna – 1994
- Chevrolet – Rio Grande Mud – 1972
- Concrete and Steel – Recycler – 1990
- Consumption – La Futura – 2012
- Cover Your Rig – Antenna – 1994
- Crucifixx-A-Flatt – XXX – 1999
- Crunchy – Mescalero – 2003
- Deal Goin’ Down – Antenna – 1994
- Decision or Collision – Recycler – 1990
- Delirious – Afterburner – 1985
- Dipping Low (In the Lap of Luxury) – Afterburner – 1985
- Dirty Dog – Eliminator – 1983
- Don’t Tease Me – El Loco – 1981
- Doubleback – Recycler – 1990
- Down Brownie – Rio Grande Mud – 1972
- Dreadmonboogaloo – XXX – 1999
- Drive by Lover – La Futura (Deluxe/Best Buy) – 2012
- Dust My Broom – Degüello – 1979
- Dusted – Mescalero – 2003
- El Diablo – Tejas – 1976
- Enjoy and Get It On – Tejas – 1976
- Esther Be the One – Degüello – 1979
- Everything – Antenna (European/Japanese) – 1994
- Fearless Boogie – XXX – 1999
- Flyin’ High – La Futura – 2012
- Francine – Rio Grande Mud – 1972
- Fuzzbox Voodoo – Antenna – 1994
- Gimme All Your Lovin’ – Eliminator – 1983
- Girl in a T-Shirt – Antenna – 1994
- Give It Up – Recycler – 1990
- Goin’ Down to Mexico – ZZ Top’s First Album – 1971
- Goin’ So Good – Mescalero – 2003
- Got Me Under Pressure – Eliminator – 1983
- Groovy Little Hippie Pad – El Loco – 1981
- Hairdresser – Rhythmeen – 1996
- Have a Little Mercy – La Futura – 2012
- Have You Heard? – Tres Hombres – 1973
- Heard It on the X – Fandango! – 1975
- Heard It on the X (Live) – Fandango! (2006 remaster) – 1975
- Heartache in Blue – La Futura – 2012
- Heaven, Hell or Houston – El Loco – 1981
- Hey Mr. Millionaire (Live) – XXX – 1999
- Hi Fi Mama – Degüello – 1979
- Hot, Blue and Righteous – Tres Hombres – 1973
- Hummbucking, Pt. 2 – Rhythmeen – 1996
- I Don’t Wanna Lose, Lose, You – La Futura – 2012
- I Got the Message – Afterburner – 1985
- I Got the Six – Eliminator – 1983
- I Gotsta Get Paid – La Futura – 2012
- I Need You Tonight – Eliminator – 1983
- I Thank You – Degüello – 1979
- I Wanna Drive You Home – El Loco – 1981
- I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide – Degüello – 1979
- If I Could Only Flag Her Down – Eliminator – 1983
- Isn’t Love Amazing – Rhythmeen (Japan) – 1996
- It’s Only Love – Tejas – 1976
- It’s So Hard – El Loco – 1981
- It’s Too Easy Mañana – La Futura – 2012
- Jailhouse Rock (Live) – Fandango! – 1975
- Jailhouse Rock (Live) – Fandango! (2006 remaster) – 1975
- Jesus Just Left Chicago – Tres Hombres – 1973
- Jesus Just Left Chicago (live) – Tres Hombres (2006 remaster) – 1973
- Just Got Back from Baby’s – ZZ Top’s First Album – 1971
- Just Got Paid – Rio Grande Mud – 1972
- Ko Ko Blue – Rio Grande Mud – 1972
- La Grange – Tres Hombres – 1973
- La Grange (live) – Tres Hombres (2006 remaster) – 1973
- Legs – Eliminator – 1983
- Leila – El Loco – 1981
- Liquor – Mescalero – 2003
- Live Intro by Ross Mitchell – XXX – 1999
- Lizard Life – Antenna – 1994
- Loaded – Rhythmeen – 1996
- Long Distance Boogie – Fandango! (Live) – 1975
- Lovething – Recycler – 1990
- Lowdown in the Street – Degüello – 1979
- Made into a Movie – XXX – 1999
- Manic Mechanic – Degüello – 1979
- Master of Sparks – Tres Hombres – 1973
- Me So Stupid – Mescalero – 2003
- Mellow Down Easy – Fandango! (Live) – 1975
- Mescalero – Mescalero – 2003
- Mexican Blackbird – Fandango! – 1975
- Move Me on Down the Line – Tres Hombres – 1973
- Mushmouth Shoutin’ – Rio Grande Mud – 1972
- My Head’s in Mississippi – Recycler – 1990
- My Mind Is Gone – Rhythmeen – 1996
- Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings – Fandango! – 1975
- Neighbor, Neighbor – ZZ Top’s First Album – 1971
- Ninja Shack – XXX (Japanese edition) – 1999
- Old Man – ZZ Top’s First Album – 1971
- Over You – La Futura – 2012
- Pan Am Highway Blues – Tejas – 1976
- Party on the Patio – El Loco – 1981
- PCH – Antenna – 1994
- Pearl Necklace – El Loco – 1981
- Penthouse Eyes – Recycler – 1990
- Piece – Mescalero – 2003
- Pincushion – Antenna – 1994
- Planet of Women – Afterburner – 1985
- Poke Chop Sandwich – XXX – 1999
- Precious and Grace – Tres Hombres – 1973
- Prettyhead – Rhythmeen – 1996
- Punk Ass Boyfriend – Mescalero – 2003
- Que Lastima – Mescalero – 2003
- Rhythmeen – Rhythmeen – 1996
- Rough Boy – Afterburner – 1985
- Sanctify – Mescalero (Japanese release) – 2003
- Sharp Dressed Man – Eliminator – 1983
- She Loves My Automobile – Degüello – 1979
- She’s a Heartbreaker – Tejas – 1976
- She’s Just Killing Me – Rhythmeen – 1996
- Shiek – Tres Hombres – 1973
- Sinpusher (Live) – XXX – 1999
- Sleeping Bag – Afterburner – 1985
- Snappy Kakkie – Tejas – 1976
- (Somebody Else Been) Shaking Your Tree – ZZ Top’s First Album – 1971
- Squank – ZZ Top’s First Album – 1971
- Stackin’ Paper – Mescalero – 2003
- Stages – Afterburner – 1985
- Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell – Rio Grande Mud – 1972
- Tell It – Recycler – 1990
- Ten Dollar Man – Tejas – 1976
- Ten Foot Pole – El Loco – 1981
- Threshold of a Breakdown – La Futura (Deluxe/Best Buy) – 2012
- Thug – Eliminator – 1983
- Thunderbird (Live) – Fandango! – 1975
- Tramp – Mescalero – 2003
- Trippin’ – XXX – 1999
- Tube Snake Boogie – El Loco – 1981
- Tush – Fandango! – 1975
- Tush (Live) – Fandango! (2006 remaster) – 1975
- TV Dinners – Eliminator – 1983
- Two Ways to Play – Mescalero – 2003
- Velcro Fly – Afterburner – 1985
- Vincent Price Blues – Rhythmeen – 1996
- Waitin’ for the Bus – Tres Hombres – 1973
- Waitin’ for the Bus (live) – Tres Hombres (2006 remaster) – 1973
- What It Is Kid – Mescalero – 2003
- What Would You Do? – Mescalero – 2003
- What’s Up with That – Rhythmeen – 1996
- Whiskey’n Mama – Rio Grande Mud – 1972
- Woke Up with Wood – Afterburner – 1985
- World of Swirl – Antenna – 1994
- Zipper Job – Rhythmeen – 1996
Albums
ZZ Top’s First Album (1971): 10 songs
Rio Grande Mud (1972): 10 songs
Tres Hombres (1973): 13 songs
Fandango! (1975): 15 songs
Tejas (1976): 10 songs
Degüello (1979): 10 songs
El Loco (1981): 10 songs
Eliminator (1983): 11 songs
Afterburner (1985): 10 songs
Recycler (1990): 10 songs
Antenna (1994): 12 songs
Rhythmeen (1996): 13 songs
XXX (1999): 14 songs
Mescalero (2003): 18 songs
La Futura (2012): 12 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining ZZ Top articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
10 Best Covers Of ZZ Top Songs
Complete List Of ZZ Top Albums And Discography
Top 10 ZZ Top Songs
Our 10 Favorite ZZ Top Albums
Complete List Of ZZ Top Band Members
Complete List Of ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons Solo Albums And Songs
Top 10 ZZ Top Album Covers
ZZ Top Follows Other Recent Rock Stars In Selling Their Catalogs
ZZ Top’s Bassist Dusty Hill Dies At 72
ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard to Miss Upcoming Tour Due to Health Issue
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