ZZ Top bassist Joseph Michael “Dusty” Hill has died in his sleep in Houston at the age of 72.

Born in Dallas, Hill hooked up with ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons in Houston shortly after the band was formed in 1969. The two bearded blues rockers, along with cleanest-shaven drummer Chris Beard, put on dynamic live shows and produced 15 albums over the next five decades.

Although Gibbons provided most of the band’s lead vocals, Hill occasionally contributed lead, including on “Tush,” an early hit. Like Gibbons, Hill acted as well, proving voice guest appearances in King of the Hill (no relation) and on screen in Back to the Future III and Deadwood.

The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and according to a statement by Billy Gibbons, Hill’s wishes were that the band continue. We’re glad to have ZZ Top continue, but Dusty Hill will be missed.