ZZ Top, the bearded rock legends from Texas, have left an undeniable mark on rock history. Known for their blues-infused sound, gritty guitar riffs, and unmistakable image, the power trio carved out a style that has endured for decades. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering their music, ZZ Top’s catalog is filled with timeless tracks that continue to influence generations.
History of ZZ Top
Formed in Houston, Texas, in 1969, ZZ Top consisted of Billy Gibbons (guitar, vocals), Dusty Hill (bass, vocals), and Frank Beard (drums). Ironically, Beard was the only member without a beard, but together the trio became iconic for their long beards, sunglasses, hot rods, and Texas swagger.
Their breakthrough came with the release of Tres Hombres in 1973, featuring the hit song “La Grange.” Over time, ZZ Top successfully evolved their sound — incorporating synthesizers and modern production in the 1980s — while never abandoning their blues roots. In 2004, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Some of the Most Iconic ZZ Top Songs
Below are some of ZZ Top’s most iconic tracks, spanning their early blues-rock years through their MTV-era dominance. These selections include official music videos and some others that capture the raw energy of their live performances.
Just Got Paid
Album: Rio Grande Mud
Release Date: April 4, 1972
A gritty blues rocker driven by sharp guitar work and a working-class edge, “Just Got Paid” highlights ZZ Top’s early musical identity. The song is performed live on stage from Double Down Live (1980), offering a snapshot of the band’s classic stage presence. Check this out ..
Waitin’ for the Bus
Album: Tres Hombres
Release Date: July 26, 1973
This song opens Tres Hombres with a bluesy groove and seamlessly transitions into “Jesus Just Left Chicago,” making it one of ZZ Top’s most beloved pairings.
Jesus Just Left Chicago
A slow-burning blues classic that showcases the band’s deep roots and soulful musicianship live on stage in 1980!
La Grange
Perhaps ZZ Top’s most recognizable riff, “La Grange” is a gritty Texas blues anthem inspired by the infamous Chicken Ranch brothel.
Tush
Album: Fandango!
Release Date: March 18, 1975
A straightforward, high-energy rocker featuring Dusty Hill on lead vocals, “Tush” became a staple of ZZ Top’s live shows.
I Thank You
Album: Degüello
Release Date: 1979
ZZ Top’s blues-rock reinterpretation of the Sam & Dave soul classic strips the song down and rebuilds it with gritty guitar work, deep grooves, and unmistakable Texas attitude.
Cheap Sunglasses
A laid-back yet funky groove driven by sharp guitar riffs and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, “Cheap Sunglasses” perfectly captures ZZ Top’s humor, cool swagger, and effortless style.
A Fool for Your Stockings
A slow-burning blues track that showcases the band’s softer, more soulful side, this song highlights Billy Gibbons’ expressive guitar tone and the trio’s deep roots in traditional blues.
I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
A swagger-filled road anthem built on confident lyrics and driving rhythms, this track embodies ZZ Top’s touring lifestyle and fearless, self-assured persona.
The Iconic ZZ Top “Eliminator Coupe”
ZZ Top’s legendary Eliminator Coupe — a heavily customized 1933 Ford hot rod — became inseparable from the band’s identity during the early 1980s MTV era. Built by renowned hot-rod designer Don Thelan and later refined by Billy Gibbons himself, the car blended classic American muscle with a sleek, modern edge that mirrored the band’s evolving sound.
The Eliminator Coupe appeared prominently in several of ZZ Top’s most iconic music videos, including Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin’, and Legs. Its flashy paint job, aggressive stance, and unmistakable silhouette made it instantly recognizable, helping to turn the band’s videos into cultural staples of early music television.
Beyond its role on screen, the Eliminator Coupe became a symbol of ZZ Top’s fusion of blues-rock roots with modern style and showmanship. Today, the car remains one of the most recognizable vehicles in rock history and is preserved as a piece of music and pop-culture legacy.
Check out this quick video for some inside information about this amazing ride from Billy Gibbons.
Gimme All Your Lovin’
Album: Eliminator
Release Date: March 23, 1983
One of ZZ Top’s signature hits, “Gimme All Your Lovin’” blends gritty blues guitar with polished synth-driven production. The song marked the band’s successful transition into the MTV era while retaining their Texas blues-rock roots.
Got Me Under Pressure
Driven by pounding drums, sharp guitar riffs, and relentless energy, “Got Me Under Pressure” captures the high-intensity sound that defined Eliminator. It became a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances.
Sharp Dressed Man
A cultural anthem of confidence and cool, “Sharp Dressed Man” helped cement ZZ Top’s place in 1980s pop culture. Its infectious groove and iconic music video made it one of the band’s most recognizable songs.
Legs
One of ZZ Top’s biggest crossover successes, “Legs” dominated MTV with its slick sound and unforgettable visuals. The song’s danceable beat and instantly recognizable synth riff made it a defining track of the decade.
TV Dinners
With quirky lyrics and a laid-back groove, “TV Dinners” showcases ZZ Top’s playful sense of humor. The track stands out as a lighter, tongue-in-cheek moment on an otherwise hard-driving album.
Sleeping Bag
Album: Afterburner
Release Date: October 28, 1985
“Sleeping Bag” pushed ZZ Top further into synth-heavy territory while maintaining their blues foundation. The song’s futuristic sound and striking visuals helped it become one of the band’s biggest mid-80s hits.
Stages
A powerful, anthemic track, “Stages” blends emotional depth with glossy 1980s production. The song highlights ZZ Top’s ability to evolve musically while still delivering a strong rock identity.
Rough Boy
Slowing things down, “Rough Boy” reveals ZZ Top’s softer, more melodic side. The atmospheric ballad became one of the band’s most unexpected hits, proving they could excel beyond high-energy rockers.
Why ZZ Top Still Matters
ZZ Top’s lasting relevance comes from their rare ability to evolve with the times without ever abandoning their blues roots. From the raw, gritty Texas blues of their early years to the polished, synth-driven rock that defined their MTV-era dominance, the band consistently adapted while sounding unmistakably like themselves. Their fusion of blues authenticity, rock attitude, and visual flair helped bridge generations of fans, and their influence can still be heard today across rock, blues, and modern Americana. Decades later, ZZ Top remains a benchmark for how a band can grow, innovate, and stay true to its identity all at once.
For fans who want to explore their full catalog, and official releases, the band continues to maintain their legacy through their official website at ZZTop.com, serving as a hub for music, merch, and much more.
Related Video Storytelling in Classic Rock
Bands like Cinderella also created connected story-driven music videos in the 1980s. Their Shake Me, Nobody’s Fool, and Somebody Save Me trilogy reimagined the classic fairy tale through the world of rock concerts and backstage adventures. Read more in our post Cinderella’s 80s Music Video Trilogy: Shake Me, Nobody’s Fool, Somebody Save Me.