Billy Gibbons

BIOGRAPHY – Billy Gibbons

Billy F. Gibbons, lead guitarist of ZZ Top, was born in Houston, TX on December 16, 1949. Billy’s father, Frederick Royal, was an entertainer, orchestra conductor, and a concert pianist. He worked with his cousin, Cedric Gibbons, who was an art director for Samuel Goldwyn at MGM Studios. Billy’s interest in rock and roll music was sparked when he saw Elvis Presley perform on the Ed Sullivan show in 1956. He learned about R&B music from his African American maid and for his thirteenth birthday, in 1963, Billy was given his first electric guitar, a sunburst Gibson Melody Maker, he was also given a Fender Champ amplifier. Billy attended Warner Brother’s art school in Hollywood California. While there he played in several bands.

By the time he was eighteen years old he had formed a band called the Moving Elevators and their hit single was the song “99th Floor,” which was written by Billy. The Moving Elevators recorded several singles and had one full-length album, Flash. On Jimi Hendrix’s first American tour, the Moving Elevators were the opening band. Jimi Hendrix considered Billy to be one of the best guitarists around and even gave him his pink Fender Stratocaster.

In 1969, Billy formed the blues-rock band ZZ Top and their first album, ZZ Top’s First Album, was released in 1971 on London Records. ZZ Top recorded and released albums as well as toured constantly until 1977 when the band went on hiatus. During this time, Billy grew out his signature beard. With the release of their 1983 diamond-selling record Eliminator, the band gained international recognition. This album included one of their hits, “Gimme All Your Lovin,” and was named after Billy’s customized 1933 Ford Coupe, which appeared in three of their music videos.

ZZ Top has an over forty year career and still includes all of its original members. In 2004, ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Billy Gibbons is a jack of all trades. He is frequently a guest chef around Hollywood where he serves his “Renegade Guacamole,” and he is also well known for his authentic barbeque and Mexican cuisine. Billy has been said to use a Mexican Peso as a guitar pick to play his Gretsch Billy Bo guitar and Pearly Gates, his famous 1959 Gibson Les Paul.