Frank Beard, the drummer of the popular Texas boogie-rock band ZZ Top, known for hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” has passed away at the age of 77. He died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while under hospice care, surrounded by his family. Publicist Bob Merlis confirmed the news, and band co-founder Billy Gibbons, currently on tour with bassist Elwood Francis, paid tribute to Beard, praising his innovative drumming skills and his deep connection to Texas.
ZZ Top, with over 50 million records sold and six No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, has been a prominent figure in the music industry. The band received three Grammy Award nominations and had seven albums in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart. Beard, reflecting on his career in the 2019 documentary “ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas,” expressed his passion for playing music and his dedication to the band.
Beard, originally from Frankston, Texas, met Billy Gibbons while playing in a band called The Moving Sidewalks. He later introduced Dusty Hill, the bassist and vocalist, who had previously played with Beard in various groups. The trio came together in 1969 to form ZZ Top, drawing inspiration from blues artists like Z.Z. Hill and bands such as Cream and Jimmy Reed. Their iconic appearance, characterized by long beards and dark sunglasses, remained a constant throughout their more than five-decade-long career.
The band’s music, featuring witty and humorous lyrics, gained popularity in Hollywood, with their songs appearing in several films. ZZ Top’s unique sound, described as a blend of rock, blues, and funk, earned them a reputation as interpreters of American music. Their breakthrough came with the release of “La Grange” on the album “Tres Hombres,” a tribute to the Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas. Over the years, hits like “Tush,” “Cheap Sunglasses,” and the successful album “Eliminator” solidified their status in the music scene.
The trio’s distinctive bearded look was not initially planned but became a trademark after a hiatus in the mid-70s. ZZ Top’s music videos, featuring glamorous models and custom cars, resonated with audiences and contributed to their success on MTV. The band’s collaboration with director Tim Newman produced a trilogy of popular videos for “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.”
ZZ Top’s enduring appeal was further highlighted by their 2012 album “La Futura,” produced by Rick Rubin, which marked a resurgence in their music career. Despite facing health challenges, including foot and ankle issues, Frank Beard remained dedicated to the band until his passing. His legacy lives on through his wife, Debbie Meredith, and three children.
The band mourned the loss of Dusty Hill in 2021, and now, with Frank Beard’s passing, ZZ Top fans worldwide remember the iconic drummer who played a vital role in the band’s success.