Billy Gibbons

December 16, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Billy Gibbons, born December 16, 1949, has been like a flash of lightning in the music industry. This legendary guitarist has a bass-baritone singing voice that will have your heart beating to its tune. He founded ZZ Top and is famously known for his bluesy, groovy guitar style. His well-nourished, chest-long beard marks a finishing touch on his look, and well, what’s Gibbons without that manly beard? Today we’ll help you honor this impeccable man on his special day.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

William Frederick Gibbons

Birth date:

December 16, 1949

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

5' 10.47"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$60 million

Background

William Frederick Gibbons, famously known as Billy Gibbons, was born in Houston Texas, to Frederick Royal and Lorraine Gibbons. Gibbons’ father was an orchestra conductor, entertainer, and concert pianist. His parents have always encouraged and inspired him to be musical, pushing him to attend shows and recording sessions.

At the age of 14, Gibbons formed a band called The Saints which later changed its name to The Moving Sidewalks in the 1960s. In 1969, he formed a trio rock band with his fellow band members Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. At this stage, a 20-year-old man, Gibbons was the band’s lead singer and guitarist. The band members were well-spotted by their chest-long beards, which is what distinguished the group from other rock bands. The band released its debut album in 1971 and has since made about 15 studio albums which have sold 50 million copies worldwide. A few of their most popular songs from the band include ‘Sharp Dressed Man,’ ‘Legs,’ and ‘Gimme All Your Lovin,’ all from 1983. In 2021, one of the band members, Dusty Hill, passed away in his sleep after having suffered from a hip injury.

After 30 years of having known each other, Gibbons finally married Gilligan Stillwater in 2005. The couple has no children together, as far as we know. Gilligan Stillwater, originally born Ellen J. Oetjen, is the manager of ZZ Top. She’s also made appearances in films such as “Snake and Mongoose” and “Pickin’ & Grinnin’.”

Career timeline

1969

He Forms the ZZ Top Band

Gibbons forms the band ZZ Top, which is a trio of him, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard.

1971

The Band Releases Their Debut Album

The band finally releases an album titled "ZZ Top's First Album."

2004

The Hall of Fame

The band makes it as far as being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2011

He Publishes a Book

Gibbons publishes a book titled "Billy F. Gibbons: Rock + Roll Gearhead," revolving around his love for cars and guitars.

Why We Love Billy Gibbons

He is a natural talent
Gibbons was born for music. From a young age, he was able to form his band and grow it. He eventually reached his current age and is still one of our favorite rock musicians.
He is versatile
Gibbons did not only do music, he appeared on T.V. as well and launched his line of sauces. Looking at his life, we can safely say that Gibbons' focus was not only on music but also, he focused on other things that interested him and he reaped fruitful results too.
He gave back to the community
Gibbons didn't spend his fortune on just himself and his family, instead, he looked for places where he could share his fortune for the benefit of others. He invested in God's Love We Deliver foundation, and Childline and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This he did out of the goodness of his heart, without expecting anything in return.

5 Surprising Facts

He is a car enthusiast
Gibbons has a collection of vintage cars, including the 1948 Cadillac Series 62 and a 1950 Ford Business Coupe, to name a few.
He traded his signature hat
Gibbons traded his Stetson hat with the chief of the Bamileke people, for a braided-cloth cap.
He's made a television show appearance
Gibbons was featured in the television series "Bones."
He has a line of sauces
Gibbons launched a line of barbeque sauces, hot sauces, and other products together with Texas-Based Mojo Products, L.L.C.
Gibbons is a Fender lover
He has a wide range of vintage Fender amplifiers, Fender Dual Professionals, Fender Bassman, and Fender Tweed Deluxe.