ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons To Receive BMI’s Troubadour Award
ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons is to be presented with BMI’s prestigious Troubadour Award during a private reception at the organization’s Nashville office on September 18.
The award is made in recognition of the Texan musician’s impact on the creative community as a songwriter, including on such hits and rock staples as Sharp Dressed Man, Legs, La Grange and Gimme All Your Lovin’. Previous recipients of the honour have included John Prine, John Hiatt, Robert Earl Keen, and the 2022 winner, Lucinda Williams.
Clay Bradley, BMI’s VP of creative Nashville, said in a statement: “With a career spanning several decades, Billy has penned an array of timeless hits that have left an indelible mark on the music industry. His ability to craft lyrics that resonate with audiences across generations is a testament to his songwriting prowess and he is the epitome of what the BMI Troubadour Award represents.”
The night will also include a cocktail reception and dinner as well as tribute performances and commemorative speeches. It will take place on the eve of this year’s AmericanaFest, and is being described as a Nashville “homecoming” for BMI’s Americana artists. AmericanaFest itself takes place in Music City between September 19 and 23.
ZZ Top’s worldwide record sales are estimated at 50 million, across 15 studio albums, underpinned by Gibbons’ distinctive lead guitar. He recently completed a run of European shows, playing 20 concerts in 12 countries in June and July, in a group with Austin Hanks and former Guns N’ Roses, The Cult, and Velvet Revolver drummer Matt Sorum.
Earlier this year, ZZ Top debuted their own unique brand of whisky called Tres Hombres, named after the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame trio’s 1973 studio album. Now the self-styled Little Ol’ Band from Texas are introducing a second entry into the liquor line — ‘Tres Hombres’ Bourbon. The whisky is now available at select retailers in three Texas cities — Austin, Dallas and Houston.