Rocky Hill, Dusty's brother, sadly passed away in 2009 at the young age of 62. It appears Rocky, who had significant talent, was hamstrung by personal problems that prevented him from being able to utilize his skills as a musician to greater effect. He remained an underground star, well known in the Houston and Dallas areas but relatively obscure outside of TX. He was the founding member of American Blues, from which two members would break off and later help to form ZZ Top.
Below is a link to an excellent article about the man and his recording career. It does contain quotes from Billy, the first discussion I have ever seen of Rocky from a member of the Top, but Dusty is silent. The group covered a Rocky song "I Walked from Dallas" during live shows in 1996, and upon close inspection the lyrics tell the tale of ZZ's rise to fame.
I had not picked up the album "Texas Guitar Legend" in the past but this article makes the correct argument that I have missed a gem. I will be seeking it out now.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/us/finally-an-album-for-a-rock-star-who-never-was.html?_r=1
Does anyone have some of his recorded works and would like to comment?
There is another article about Rocky Hill available in the San Antonio Express today with quotes from Joy, his widow, as well as Dusty at:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mysanantonio.com/life/article/Album-gives-new-life-to-Rocky-Hill-s-career-2329181.php
Rocky’s album "Texas Guitar Legend" features his great guitar playing framed by some nice blues tunes. One of the highlights is when he sings about 1976 being a “Bad Year for the Blues” because of the passing that year of blues greats Jimmy Reed, Freddie King and Howlin’ Wolf. He also remembers Hound Dog Taylor (who died in late 1975). I recommend giving the album a listen if you have the chance. I also think it would be really cool to hear recordings of Rocky playing live.