The lyrics are referencing the infamous Chicken Ranch, an illegal brothel, that once operated outside of LA Grange Texas. It is the same brothel made famous in the movie Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, starting Burr Reynolds and Dolly Parton.
My wife and I went to La Grange and went into the town historical building, which used to be the town jail. The sherriff that ran it was there for 40 years and solved every crime that was commited. He had a direct phone line ( mind you, the only one in town) straight to the madames office at the brothel, and when all the criminals would come in they would brag to the prostitutes about what they had done. The girls in turn would tell the madame and on to the sherriff who would arrest them. Also, the sherifs wife ran the jail, cooking, cleaning, all of it!
When I was a freshman in college '71 just south of Dallas...two of my older work buddies/college mates came up with a plan to head to The Chicken Ranch 🐔🏠 one Saturday evening after we got off work at the local grocery store... we worked at part-time...I went along with the plan until the last minute when I backed out...my Mom had a funny way of finding out or suspecting something when I did something she wouldn't approve of🤣😂...the other two guys went...made the long drive, stayed about an hour/spent their $$, then made the long drive back home...stopping and sleeping in their car on the way home...then 2 years later ZZ Top came out with this song...about my almost experience...☹
BB King inspired them...he was the King👑 of blues🎸🎶...they also liked ZZ Hill another blues artist....Billy Gibbons took the ZZ from Hill, but couldn't use King because it would sound so close to BB King....so he decided the next thing to King was being on Top...thus ZZ Top...it had nothing to do with wrapping papers...I'm a Texas boy
Tres Hombres is the best. I remember when I was listening to it when I was a little kid at my older sister's friends house...I took a trip to La Grange Tx last year just to see the town.
Frank's Chicago Shuffle sounds effortless but it's one of the most challenging beats to play. His right hand keeps the quarter notes but his left hand on the snare is shuffling and still hitting the 2 and 4 consistently. To top it off, his right foot is consistently shuffling. I've been playing over 40 years and cannot master this beat; it's one SOB!
Billy “The Reverend” Gibbons was a buddy of Jimi Hendrix. He’s one of the coolest most peace-loving cats you’ll ever come across. He did pinch the voice stylings and boogie woogie groove from old Chicago and delta blues. He was a big John Lee Hooker fan. He does it justice. Especially with that pinch harmonic talking guitar section.
nailed it. the whole second guitar solo in this song is nothing but pinch harmonics, and its fucking fire! its got all the makings for a perfect Rock and Roll song.
I take incredible joy in watching you discover some of my favorite music. Saw ZZ Top during their 40th anniversary tour last summer. Just an amazing experience.
He's not talking about Jesus in the song..He's actually talking about a blues singer..I can't remember which singer...I think you can read about it if you go to...songfacts.💞
In the 70's here in small town Alabama we would hit the backwoods gravel pit. Big bonfire at least 3 to 4 hundred people start Friday night end early Monday morning. Occasional fist fight but 99.9 per cent good times. If you were too waxed you couldn't leave till you sobered up. Cops left us alone we were bothering no one. Great times!
@@rickyjoyner8802 Yeah back in the 70's here in BC the cops would cover the only road in. Once you were in you were in. One of my favourite places was a place called Mud Bay. Great times. We was just lookin for some Tush.
@@vansongs there was always plenty of tush to go around. The free love drive didn't slow down till the early 80's and the aids invasion. Everyone got scared then. Made for a lot more monogamous relationships. Miss my 70's Godawful bad. Only bad part I can remember is losing some good friends to Viet Nam.
These guys are musical geniuses! If you ever watch them play live, you'll see that they can get a 5 piece band sound out of a three piece band. It's phenomenal!!
Bob Klumpp - you’re damn right! Was so great to be there. I was 12, dancing to La Grange and singin’ Sundown. ‘77 was my favourite music year for sure. ... 70s teenagedom set the tone for music happiness and cool reminiscing for life! 😀👋🇦🇺
La Grange, was a little ditty about a “shack outside La Grange.” Mostly known as the Chicken Ranch, it was a Texas brothel, open from 1905 to 1973. A simple farmhouse with no signs advertising its purpose, the Chicken Ranch ran with the knowledge, if not the blessing, of local politicians and law enforcement.
Additional Fun Fact-- the movie The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas is set in that same brothel. The story is loosely based on the story of the brothel being forced out of business.
Jemel_AKA_Jamal - I really like your channel, man. I'm a 60 yr old guy that grew up listening to a lot of the music you review. I love that you appreciate it! Please keeping spreading the news! Thanks!
Heck YEAH!! ZZ Top is one of the most underrated bands ever!! They are freaking awesome in concert! Fun fact- Stevie Ray Vaughn learned alot of his guitar skills from Billy Gibbons! Both good old Texas boys!! Thank you for your awesome reaction!!
well, at least they didn't lip sync, but they played to a taped recording. billy was not physically able to play rhythm and lead guitar in this song and others. they danced to the rhythm to make it look real, but he played the lead to a taped rhythm in concert. much of their music is dubbed in the studio.
@@if6turnedouttobe9 lmao who is playing the rhythm to this song? there is only the bass and the 6 string. again, who is playing rhythm guitar while he's playing the lead? a tape recorder. billy gibbons admitted himself he dubbed in the lead guitar in the studio version of this song. it's not the only one. they never did hoax me in their concerts i attended. once in a concert i was at, they got ahead of the tape, they all stopped playing for a full beat to get back in sync with the tape. it was obvious as hell. nobody wanted to hear they did this but billy gibbons admitted to it. fact.
Never listen to ZZ Top while driving in the following states: Wyoming, North Dakota, Montana, Texas. By the time the cop pulled me over I had been slowing down and he clocked me at 104. That was a $58 fine lol.
When I first heard the song "Brown Sugar" by ZZ Top I thought it had a hint of influence from Jimmy Hendrix, then I found out that Billy Gibbons opened for Hendrix and were friends... good song that has been lost in the pile of ZZ's all time hits.
“THAT LITTLE OH BAND FROM TEXAS “, we are very proud of ZZTOP down here , I was 15 yrs . When I first saw them in Ft Worth Tx. I’ve seen them live 10 times .A Texan.Im 64 now. Texas veteran!
First of all, I just found you on the "TUBE" and signed up. I appreciate your love for music and that you are open minded. Van Halen, Doobie Brothers, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynryd, etc. Quick answers to one of your questions, Doobie Brothers were big in the 70's. I grew up in West Texas and the rumor was that a band got their name from the two big rolling papers that were sold. Zig Zag and Top. So they choose to call themselves, ZZ Top. A song that I would like you listen to is a mix of blues and rock. Stevie Ray style. What makes it off the hook is after you listen to it. The whole album and video was recorded by someone who had already played with the likes of B.B. King and others. He was 15 years old. Johnny Lang and the song is "Lie To Me." Title song for the album. "Rack'em Up" is awesome also. The album was released in 1997. One day before his 16 birthday. Music today is crap but you have opened the door to the vault and just scratched the surface. Happy listening and enjoy the ride. Jeff
See? Isn't that the ten thousandth suggestion to watch the movie Blues Brothers? :D We subscribers never give up. Is Jamel going to have to find a drive-in theater around his place to watch it? How come we're in a car today?
This song shows proper respect to John Lee Hooker's 'Boogie Chillen'. I did high school in Grand Prairie in Dallas County and to me this was always our theme. -signed your favorite lol ol white grandma. Btw- I saw them in concert in San Diego and they're just as perfect in concert as they are in recording.
I hear Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker too, though he might've used the same riff for both songs. ZZ Top definitely paid homage to the late great Mr. Hooker with this song though!
The song you're probably thinking about is Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker. The members of ZZ Top were fans of Hooker and wanted a song that embodied that blues classic so La Grange was born.
You NEED TO listen to “Waitin For the Bus”/“Jesus Just Left Chicago”, it’s technically 2 songs, but they run together seamlessly from the first to the second. ZZ Top is a 3 man band known as that “little ole band from Texas”. I GUARANTEE YOU WILL GLAD YOU DID IT!!! GAARRRAAAWWWNTEEEEE IT BROTHER!!!
When i was in high school back in the 70's This is the first song i learned in our guitar class. Im almost 70 now still rock to this music. Thanks Jamel
That "little ol' band from Texas" 🇨🇱 Z Z TOP! Oh hell yeah! I'm from Austin 🇨🇱 so naturally I love me some SRV and Z Z!♥️ Our wise state legislature made them the Official Band of the Republic of Texas 🇨🇱! Amazing that these same three guys have been together since '69!😲 Highly recommend you check out their first 3 albums.🤗 Very smooth blues/rock.😁 "Shakin' Your Tree" is one of my favorites!💯 The lead guitarist🎸, Billy Gibbons, gave Stevie Ray Vaughn a custom guitar that Stevie plays in the "Cold Shot" music video!🤯 Love your reactions and hope you explore more Z Z Top.♥️✌️
More ZZ Top please"Jesus just left Chicago/waitin on the bus","tush","cheap sunglasses","I need you tonight","party on the patio","pearl necklace","tube snake boogie"and"I'm nation wide","brown sugar" to get started on the ZZ Top train ☮️
Fun Fact: Billy Gibbons (the guitarist) toured with Jimi Hendrix in, I think, 1969. And Hendrix said he was a big fan of Gibbons and they learned alot together. This is before ZZ Top was formed.
Check “apologies to pearly” on Rio grande mud. Played on a Stratocaster gifted to Billy gibbons by Hendrix. The pearly in question was Billy’s les Paul
I first heard this track about twenty five years ago and I listened to it back to back about thirty times. To this day it still raises the hairs on the back of my neck.
@Possumlove According to Gibbons, the band he was in at the time got to play before Hendrix during a gig, and since his band didn't have enough material to fill their slot out they played Foxy Lady and Purple Haze. Right about halfway through the second song he noticed Hendrix himself was standing to the side of the stage (backstage area) just grinning with a "Look at the balls on this kid" face. Check out the documentary "That Little Old Band From Texas" (it's from last year IIRC), it's a lot of fun and surprisingly honest.
One of my favorite ZZ Top songs is "El Diablo". Great sound, great cruizin' music. Had the luck to see them perform live at a county fair in California. This was not long after my late husband introduced me to their music. My first response was "this is all just three guys?"
"The name of the band was Gibbons' idea. The band had a little apartment covered with concert posters and he noticed that many performers' names used initials. Gibbons particularly noticed B.B. King and Z.Z. Hill and thought of combining the two into "ZZ King", but considered it too similar to the original name. He then figured that "king is going at the top" which brought him to "ZZ Top"" Source: Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZZ_Top
The other part I recall is that they wanted their albums easy to find & with a name like ZZ Top they would always be at the end of the racks in a record store :-)
Originally there were called the moving sidewalks. Used to be a bar band, played a lot in Pasadena, Texas. ZZTOP is basically a tribute to the rolling papers of the day. Zig Zags and Tops.
I don't know if this is true but I heard it from Billy Gibbons in an interview. He said he was in the loft of a barn with z shaped raters. There was a sign that said "beware of zz top." He thought that would be a good name for a band he was forming. He may have been pulling the interviewers leg. The rolling paper thing makes more sense.
@@soapytiger I'm sure there are several versions of the story. Billy gibbons did play with Jimi and did impress him. But I allow for the possibility that mine may simply be one of many misquotes expressing the same sentiment. Regardless, Gibbons is a legendary axe man.
Bro, U born 20 years to late as far as this song is concerned. ZZ Top is the oldest Trio in music, 50 yrs. Most marriages don't last that long. Been listen'n to this jam since '73. It'll never get old. I believe Your correct, their signature song among MANY greats.
One of my favorite bands!!!! Some songs to consider: Tush Jesus just left Chicago Blue jean blues Just a fool for your stockings I'm bad, I'm nationwide 2000 blues
mike mclaughlin I’m just a big fan of Dusty’s vocals on that track. A perfect example of a real gut-busting Rock & Roll belt. Right up there with Rod Stewart on “Stay With Me”.
This little trio from Texas has been a hit making machine from day one. So, so many great songs they've recorded in their distinctive Texas Boogie style.
You are thinking of John Lee Hooker’s “Boom-Boom-Boom”, 1972. The “Haw-Haw-Haw”. John Lee Hooker actually took ZZ Top to court for copyright infringement over this song. They settled out of court. But it is one of the best songs EVER to drive really fast too...
It's musically more similar to Slim Harpo's "Shake Your Hips" (1966) , covered most notably by The Rolling Stones on the "Exile on Main Street" album (1972)
And yes, their song “I’m bad, I’m nationwide!” “Sharp dressed man” and “gimme all your lovin’”- I always think it’s best to suggest most common songs by bands, to folks just discovering them- ❤️🤘🏼✌️
"We had a little apartment, a little hangout room that was lined with those rainbow-colored blues posters you’d say nailed to the telephone poll, [listing] who was coming to town.” As the guys looked at the posters, Gibbons said they realized “it was odd how many current names had initials - O.V. Wright, D.C. Bender, and of course B.B. King - he was down on this end of the alphabet, then it was Z.Z. Hill.” Billy recalled thinking, “Jeez, ZZ and King, that’s a good combo.” He then decided that ZZ King was too similar to B.B. King, thinking: “King being at the top, I said, ‘Okay, so it’s gonna be ZZ Top, and that’s the way it is.”(Billy Gibbons, an interview on Ultimate Classic Rock Nights)
@@rhizomorph-music I stand by my comment. I've read and listened to Billy Gibbons' interviews. Not sure where you got your story from, but you're certainly free to believe whatever you want.
Theres one that’s my personal favorite. They call it “I gotsta get paid”. It’s a cover from a rap song called “25 lighters”. Which ZZ Top blows them out of the water! Please react to it. There are 2 that are similar in name the one I mentioned and “I just got paid”. Both are awesome but “I gotsta get paid” is my favorite. Heck react to em both. Or You could react to every song they’ve ever done and we wouldn’t be mad!
Bro did you know? Several old timers told me this story. Billy Gibbons and ZZ Top opened for Jimi Hendrix in Texas. Jimi saw Billy play and told him after the show "Hey man you gonna be something some day." Word. One love, love your channel man! @Jamal
"The name ZZ Top, according to band member Billy Gibbons, came from a tribute to B.B. King. The band originally were going to call themselves “Z.Z. King” in King's honor, but then decided it was too similar to B.B. King. Because B.B. King was at the “top” of the blues world, they changed it to ZZ Top"
@@dougjackson4133 What do you mean, "Not ZZ King"?? Yes, ZZ King! ZZ King is what they were originally going to call the band, and then later decided on ZZ Top. I never said that the "ZZ" part of ZZ Top wasn't in reference to ZZ Hill. I only stated that the name was originally going to be ZZ King... And that's a fact! If you disagree, argue with Billy Gibbons about it, not me, because this fact came directly from his mouth.
As soon as I saw you posted this reaction 29 minutes earlier, I had to check it out. The “Chicken Ranch” was the name of the “house” outside LaGrange, TX. True story. You can’t do “Jesus Just Left Chicago” without doing it together with “Waitin’ For The Bus” first. It’s just so cool to hear them together ZZ has so many great songs. Over 50 year history for that “Little ol band from Texas” as they are called here in Texas. Three musicians with numerous hits. Please do these together. Bluesy terrific! “Waitin’ for the bus/Jesus just left Chicago”. ZZ TOP = ZigZag + Top rolling papers 😉 Looking at that a album cover: Frank Beard(drums)beardless Billy Gibbons(lead guitar) in the middle Dusty Hill(bass) right side-sings LaGrange
The Chicken Ranch is also portrayed in the movie Best Little Whorehouse in Texas starring Dolly Parton. If I remember correctly, Marvin Zindler - a Houston news celeb - reported on the story about the Chicken Ranch and helped to get it closed down.
Whenever I see a kid your age go crazy for old tunes I feel like the world can be saved. Thanks.
I feel the same! Young people have no idea what real music is all about but when they hear it they get hooked.
Dude isnt a kid at all. He is my age, and I grew up on this shit. He was just never exposed. That's all right and that's OK.
:)
@@theakh4238 haha...the dude is a kid. This guy is my son's age.
Great comment
The lyrics are referencing the infamous Chicken Ranch, an illegal brothel, that once operated outside of LA Grange Texas. It is the same brothel made famous in the movie Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, starting Burr Reynolds and Dolly Parton.
It got shut down only months after the song was released.
My wife and I went to La Grange and went into the town historical building, which used to be the town jail. The sherriff that ran it was there for 40 years and solved every crime that was commited. He had a direct phone line ( mind you, the only one in town) straight to the madames office at the brothel, and when all the criminals would come in they would brag to the prostitutes about what they had done. The girls in turn would tell the madame and on to the sherriff who would arrest them. Also, the sherifs wife ran the jail, cooking, cleaning, all of it!
It made Marvin Zindler a star.
When I was a freshman in college '71 just south of Dallas...two of my older work buddies/college mates came up with a plan to head to The Chicken Ranch 🐔🏠 one Saturday evening after we got off work at the local grocery store... we worked at part-time...I went along with the plan until the last minute when I backed out...my Mom had a funny way of finding out or suspecting something when I did something she wouldn't approve of🤣😂...the other two guys went...made the long drive, stayed about an hour/spent their $$, then made the long drive back home...stopping and sleeping in their car on the way home...then 2 years later ZZ Top came out with this song...about my almost experience...☹
And only $10 !! You can't get a deal like that anymore! :-)
Zig Zag and Tops were both popular brands of rolling papers used by those who like to roll their own "cigarettes".
Still Are, Steb.
Tops 1.5 were my favorite rolling papers!
They talk about how the name was come up with in "That Little Ol' Band from Texas." It was inspired by BB King.
BB King inspired them...he was the King👑 of blues🎸🎶...they also liked ZZ Hill another blues artist....Billy Gibbons took the ZZ from Hill, but couldn't use King because it would sound so close to BB King....so he decided the next thing to King was being on Top...thus ZZ Top...it had nothing to do with wrapping papers...I'm a Texas boy
left-handed cigs ?
Every time I listen to "La Grange", so do my neighbors.
Jeff P Now THATS good !! I may want to use that line !
TOtally gonna use that line 😉😂✌
Almost as good as "My neighbours are listening to some great music today, whether they like it or not"
LOL! Best line I've heard in a long time. And so true!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
The entire Tres Hombres album is classic treasure.
Yeah man, the original vinyl.
Ed B I bought the Album in '77 when I was about 12. Mowed lawns for a couple of months to get the cash. Formed my musical tastes for life. 🤘🇦🇺
I would love to hear him react to Mexican blackbird 😂
Yesss
Tres Hombres is the best. I remember when I was listening to it when I was a little kid at my older sister's friends house...I took a trip to La Grange Tx last year just to see the town.
Frank's Chicago Shuffle sounds effortless but it's one of the most challenging beats to play. His right hand keeps the quarter notes but his left hand on the snare is shuffling and still hitting the 2 and 4 consistently. To top it off, his right foot is consistently shuffling. I've been playing over 40 years and cannot master this beat; it's one SOB!
Another vote for "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide". Among the best songs ever written.
Great song!
Ditto!!!
I support this notion.
Agreed
"They're smoking Lucky Strikes, and wearing nylons too" :) yes he needs to hear it.
Billy “The Reverend” Gibbons was a buddy of Jimi Hendrix. He’s one of the coolest most peace-loving cats you’ll ever come across. He did pinch the voice stylings and boogie woogie groove from old Chicago and delta blues. He was a big John Lee Hooker fan. He does it justice. Especially with that pinch harmonic talking guitar section.
ZZ Top opened for Hendrix when they were Moving Sidewalks.
'dust my broom' was an old elmore james delta blues
i think zztop got sued for it.
nailed it. the whole second guitar solo in this song is nothing but pinch harmonics, and its fucking fire! its got all the makings for a perfect Rock and Roll song.
I remember seeing an interview where Jimi said Gibbons was one of the best guitarists he knew. Thanks for reminding me of that.
Jimi actually said in an interview that Billy was his favorite guitarist.
My very favourite ZZTop song! I got to hear them play it live a few years ago and it was amazing! Their whole concert was one of my favourites.
40 years+ now every time I hear this Riff my brain cant stop going "A-how, how how how" hahahaha
Did you rolker skate to.it? Big time in my.rolker skating days75 to78
ZZtop "I'm bad, I'm nation wide"
awesome song.
I take incredible joy in watching you discover some of my favorite music. Saw ZZ Top during their 40th anniversary tour last summer. Just an amazing experience.
🤘Billy Gibbons🤘
"Jesus Just Left Chicago" dripping in blues!
You have to listen to waitin for the bus THEN jesus just left chicago..💞
He's not talking about Jesus in the song..He's actually talking about a blues singer..I can't remember which singer...I think you can read about it if you go to...songfacts.💞
That's my favorite ZZ Top song. Good call.
Tres Hombres
Maybe even more bluesy is Sure Got Cold After The Rain Fell.
Keg of Beer, ounce of weed & ZZ Top, that's how we started the parties back in the old days!
@William Lewis EACH person ! LOL !
In the 70's here in small town Alabama we would hit the backwoods gravel pit. Big bonfire at least 3 to 4 hundred people start Friday night end early Monday morning. Occasional fist fight but 99.9 per cent good times. If you were too waxed you couldn't leave till you sobered up. Cops left us alone we were bothering no one. Great times!
@@rickyjoyner8802 Yeah back in the 70's here in BC the cops would cover the only road in. Once you were in you were in. One of my favourite places was a place called Mud Bay. Great times. We was just lookin for some Tush.
@@vansongs there was always plenty of tush to go around. The free love drive didn't slow down till the early 80's and the aids invasion. Everyone got scared then. Made for a lot more monogamous relationships. Miss my 70's Godawful bad. Only bad part I can remember is losing some good friends to Viet Nam.
These guys are musical geniuses! If you ever watch them play live, you'll see that they can get a 5 piece band sound out of a three piece band. It's phenomenal!!
Imagine being a teenager in the 70s. We didn't have to make playlists and stuff. We just turned on the RADIO!
Bob Klumpp - you’re damn right! Was so great to be there. I was 12, dancing to La Grange and singin’ Sundown. ‘77 was my favourite music year for sure. ... 70s teenagedom set the tone for music happiness and cool reminiscing for life! 😀👋🇦🇺
So very true, even todays classic rock stations only play a select few and play them over and over... nothing like it was in the 70's and early 80's.
Yep... '77 was heaven...
Yeah yall were lucky...
Fuckin A tight brutha
La Grange, was a little ditty about a “shack outside La Grange.” Mostly known as the Chicken Ranch, it was a Texas brothel, open from 1905 to 1973. A simple farmhouse with no signs advertising its purpose, the Chicken Ranch ran with the knowledge, if not the blessing, of local politicians and law enforcement.
Additional Fun Fact-- the movie The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas is set in that same brothel. The story is loosely based on the story of the brothel being forced out of business.
They got a lotta nice girls out there. 🙈🙉🙊
@@fighthypocrites7036 Just a little bitty pissant country place . . .
truth! had my cherry popped in LaGrange as a 19 year old GI stationed at Begstrom AFB, 1971...
Allan Erickson that's pretty sad
Jemel_AKA_Jamal - I really like your channel, man. I'm a 60 yr old guy that grew up listening to a lot of the music you review. I love that you appreciate it! Please keeping spreading the news! Thanks!
The volume on my stereo does not go high enough for this song!!! It's legendary!
It goes to 11.
"I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide" is one of the all time greats. You'll dig it.
The song doesn't really have an ending. Seeing them play this in concert the song just kept going for 8 minutes, it was so epic
I saw them in concert back in 96, you're spot on 😅they were incredible live & La Grange felt like it went like 2-3 times longer than the rest
Heck YEAH!!
ZZ Top is one of the most underrated bands ever!! They are freaking awesome in concert!
Fun fact- Stevie Ray Vaughn learned alot of his guitar skills from Billy Gibbons!
Both good old Texas boys!!
Thank you for your awesome reaction!!
Underrated by some. Not by me for sure, or by far
well, at least they didn't lip sync, but they played to a taped recording. billy was not physically able to play rhythm and lead guitar in this song and others. they danced to the rhythm to make it look real, but he played the lead to a taped rhythm in concert. much of their music is dubbed in the studio.
@@axlegrind4212: No they didn't...Trust me...just trust me...They do fills on a few notes here and there but not on this song...
@@if6turnedouttobe9 lmao who is playing the rhythm to this song? there is only the bass and the 6 string. again, who is playing rhythm guitar while he's playing the lead? a tape recorder. billy gibbons admitted himself he dubbed in the lead guitar in the studio version of this song. it's not the only one. they never did hoax me in their concerts i attended. once in a concert i was at, they got ahead of the tape, they all stopped playing for a full beat to get back in sync with the tape. it was obvious as hell. nobody wanted to hear they did this but billy gibbons admitted to it. fact.
@@axlegrind4212: You're not a musician Axle...Nor have u ever recorded anything in a studio...Cheers...
Never listen to ZZ Top while driving in the following states: Wyoming, North Dakota, Montana, Texas. By the time the cop pulled me over I had been slowing down and he clocked me at 104. That was a $58 fine lol.
130 in MS, listening to la grange
😂💯💯💯💯💯
👍👍👍
Lol for a second there I was thinking to myself...these are states where you should specifically listen to ZZ Top. Most of all Texas 😂
77 in a 55 in in NY but that was $650 dollars.
When I first heard the song "Brown Sugar" by ZZ Top I thought it had a hint of influence from Jimmy Hendrix, then I found out that Billy Gibbons opened for Hendrix and were friends... good song that has been lost in the pile of ZZ's all time hits.
“THAT LITTLE OH BAND FROM TEXAS “, we are very proud of ZZTOP down here , I was 15 yrs . When I first saw them in Ft Worth Tx. I’ve seen them live 10 times .A Texan.Im 64 now. Texas veteran!
Netflix has a new ZZ Top documentary that is really good.
Robert Fouquet yep, it's outstanding 💯
Ah how how how
Really wish they hadn't remastered the drums
Robert Fouquet I saw it but it left out so much! Good nonetheless.
You have to get "The Complete Studio Albums (10CD)" for the original mix. They are wonderful...
The irony is the drummer don't have a beard...and his name is Frank Beard
Lol but he does
Frank has a beard on the cover of El Loco.
Their rule is if you are in the band you have to have a beard but you can only have one. His last name is Beard so that is the only one he can have
@@Kairukurumi I did not know that lol
And Freddie Bigdick doesn't HAVE a big dick!!!
First of all, I just found you on the "TUBE" and signed up. I appreciate your love for music and that you are open minded. Van Halen, Doobie Brothers, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynryd, etc.
Quick answers to one of your questions, Doobie Brothers were big in the 70's.
I grew up in West Texas and the rumor was that a band got their name from the two big rolling papers that were sold. Zig Zag and Top. So they choose to call themselves, ZZ Top.
A song that I would like you listen to is a mix of blues and rock. Stevie Ray style. What makes it off the hook is after you listen to it. The whole album and video was recorded by someone who had already played with the likes of B.B. King and others. He was 15 years old.
Johnny Lang and the song is "Lie To Me." Title song for the album. "Rack'em Up" is awesome also. The album was released in 1997. One day before his 16 birthday.
Music today is crap but you have opened the door to the vault and just scratched the surface.
Happy listening and enjoy the ride.
Jeff
The original sound was John Lee Hooker
"Boogie Chillen'"
with the HOW HOW HOWS coming from "Boom Boom"
YA KNOW IT!
John Lee Hooker did everything! I tried to see him in concert but i lost. He was fantastic.
I thought the name was boom boom because of blues brothers :p
@@trorisk It came out in 1962
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boom_Boom_(John_Lee_Hooker_song)
@@trorisk ua-cam.com/video/nE5AyDiUH7w/v-deo.html
0:55 "Am I thinking of the same song?"
You're probably thinking of John Lee Hooker and if you're not, you should be.
Boom, Boom, Boom
That’s right, ZZ Hooker.
And George Thoroughlygood
Boogie Chillen!
ua-cam.com/video/G4pp02_GN9A/v-deo.html JLH Boogie Chil'en
John Lee Hooker- Boom, boom.It’s on the Blues Brother’s Soundtrack. Check it out. That was the inspiration for this song.
See? Isn't that the ten thousandth suggestion to watch the movie Blues Brothers? :D We subscribers never give up. Is Jamel going to have to find a drive-in theater around his place to watch it? How come we're in a car today?
"That little ol' band from Texas". Hits include, but not limited to:
"Tush"
"Sharp Dressed Man"
"Gimme All Your Lovin"
"Legs"
"Cheap Sun Glasses"
Gimme All Of Your Lovin & I Need You Tonight are the lady grabber, rock & blues songs!
Slip inside my sleeping bag. Is a good one too don’t know if that’s the title
One of my favorites by them is a more recent one called "I Gotsta Get Paid."
little ol' 3 piece Band from Texas.
TV Dinners
We played this song at midnight to bring in 1974. Jeff P, not only did the neighbors hear it, but the entire town heard it. :D
This song shows proper respect to John Lee Hooker's 'Boogie Chillen'.
I did high school in Grand Prairie in Dallas County and to me this was always our theme.
-signed your favorite lol ol white grandma.
Btw- I saw them in concert in San Diego and they're just as perfect in concert as they are in recording.
I hear Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker too, though he might've used the same riff for both songs. ZZ Top definitely paid homage to the late great Mr. Hooker with this song though!
Bass, guitar, and a drum.
The sounds they make with just 3 instruments is amazing.
Yes in the beginning
The song you're probably thinking about is Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker. The members of ZZ Top were fans of Hooker and wanted a song that embodied that blues classic so La Grange was born.
ZZ Top is one of the coolest groups you're going to run into and this is one of their coolest songs.
You NEED TO listen to “Waitin For the Bus”/“Jesus Just Left Chicago”, it’s technically 2 songs, but they run together seamlessly from the first to the second. ZZ Top is a 3 man band known as that “little ole band from Texas”. I GUARANTEE YOU WILL GLAD YOU DID IT!!! GAARRRAAAWWWNTEEEEE IT BROTHER!!!
Arc Light Yes I have. It is a common question asked by new people. We tell them we are “Dudes”’and not “Duds”.
Arc Light for more information you can go to Dudeism.com
Man, 1973 I was living and working in Columbus, Ohio when I first heard this. BAM BAM BAM Love it and love your reaction.
Who else loves "Cheap Sunglasses" and "I'm Nationwide"?
Cheap Sunglasses is so underrated. Sharp Dressed man and Legs are much better known but not as good.
Here!
Cheap Sunglasses is one of the coolest jams ever made.
Only when the light from my gold tooth display hurts my head in the morning.
Got me under pressure is my favorite one by them
A musical journey would be incomplete without Humble Pie "Thirty Days In The Hole". An amazing song.
When i was in high school back in the 70's This is the first song i learned in our guitar class. Im almost 70 now still rock to this music. Thanks Jamel
Have to do “Waitin’ go the Bus / Jesus Just Left Chicago” together... great Texas Blues. They’re legends in the game & immortal here in Houston.
That "little ol' band from Texas" 🇨🇱 Z Z TOP! Oh hell yeah! I'm from Austin 🇨🇱 so naturally I love me some SRV and Z Z!♥️ Our wise state legislature made them the Official Band of the Republic of Texas 🇨🇱! Amazing that these same three guys have been together since '69!😲 Highly recommend you check out their first 3 albums.🤗 Very smooth blues/rock.😁 "Shakin' Your Tree" is one of my favorites!💯 The lead guitarist🎸, Billy Gibbons, gave Stevie Ray Vaughn a custom guitar that Stevie plays in the "Cold Shot" music video!🤯 Love your reactions and hope you explore more Z Z Top.♥️✌️
ZZ Top came to West Berlin ~ 1986 when I was stationed there and were awesome. The whole playlist including La Grange was fantastic.
Holy cow "it's one thing to hear music, it's one thing to listen to music" I've always felt that way.
Be careful playing this in a car, you'll be going 100 mph and not even notice!
Then again, I nearly got nailed for speeding to the finale to The William Tell Overture (full symphonic version)!
I am incapable of driving unless I listen to La Grange !.....The crackle of the V8 at 100MPH and ZZ Top !....Awwww!
113 and I have the ticket to prove it! LOL
or 5 miles an hour and not notice!
There's a certain giddy up to it that makes ya wanna drive like that!! 🤗❤
That is some good ol Texas boogie woogie. That's cool you appreciate ZZ Top. I've seen 'em twice and they never disappointed me.
More ZZ Top please"Jesus just left Chicago/waitin on the bus","tush","cheap sunglasses","I need you tonight","party on the patio","pearl necklace","tube snake boogie"and"I'm nation wide","brown sugar" to get started on the ZZ Top train ☮️
Check out more 70's era ZZ Top -- "Nationwide," "Cheap Sunglasses," "Just Got Paid," "Tush," ...
Mike Caetano love Tush ♥️
Play Sharp dressed man.
Balinese
Heard it on the X
Arrested for Driving While Blind
It's Only Love
Move It on Down the Line
@@martymar1964 thank you for choosing the TRUE ZZ Top!! Anything from there first 3 albums. BALINESE
ZZ Top sounds just like this live. Its incredible. Always spot on.
The other song you were thinking of is "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum.
tack160 yep he is lyin
JAMEL GOT KICKED OUT OF THE HOUSE FOR HAVING THE COOL TUNES TOO LOUD. AND HE IS NOW LIVING IN HIS CAR. LOL
😂😂
Just like sooooo many others before him hahaha! Sometimes ya jus gotta listen to good tunes in a car 🤗❤
🤣😂😅😂🤣😅
Jamel, you are a ray of sunshine
I've always loved that sort of crunch I've always felt listening to the combo of Billy's guitar and Dusty's bass.
Fun Fact: Billy Gibbons (the guitarist) toured with Jimi Hendrix in, I think, 1969. And Hendrix said he was a big fan of Gibbons and they learned alot together.
This is before ZZ Top was formed.
Yes you are correct. He was in a band called "The Moving Sidewalks" Hendrix said he was one of his favorite Guitarists at the time.
There’s an interview with Jimi on the Dick Cavett show where he says Billy is his favorite player...
Check “apologies to pearly” on Rio grande mud. Played on a Stratocaster gifted to Billy gibbons by Hendrix. The pearly in question was Billy’s les Paul
A classic. Every house party in the 80s had this hittin' in the background!😁
I first heard this track about twenty five years ago and I listened to it back to back about thirty times. To this day it still raises the hairs on the back of my neck.
"It's one thing to hear music, and it's one thing to listen." Yeah.
When Jimi Hendrix was asked who his favorite guitarist was....the guy you just listened to was his answer.
@Possumlove According to Gibbons, the band he was in at the time got to play before Hendrix during a gig, and since his band didn't have enough material to fill their slot out they played Foxy Lady and Purple Haze. Right about halfway through the second song he noticed Hendrix himself was standing to the side of the stage (backstage area) just grinning with a "Look at the balls on this kid" face.
Check out the documentary "That Little Old Band From Texas" (it's from last year IIRC), it's a lot of fun and surprisingly honest.
One of my favorite ZZ Top songs is "El Diablo". Great sound, great cruizin' music.
Had the luck to see them perform live at a county fair in California. This was not long after my late husband introduced me to their music. My first response was "this is all just three guys?"
Welcome to my world 😉 ZZ Top has always been one of my favorites. When you hear their music you actually feel their music. Enjoy!
Billie and the boys were big blues fans contributors in 60s/70s. Take a look at the film/documentary "That little old band from Texas"
Jamel AKA Jamal, John Lee Hooker did a song called "boom boom boom", sounds dang near identical 😊👍 great reaction!
Close to that riff but not exact cause of copyright infringement laws ...
"The name of the band was Gibbons' idea. The band had a little apartment covered with concert posters and he noticed that many performers' names used initials. Gibbons particularly noticed B.B. King and Z.Z. Hill and thought of combining the two into "ZZ King", but considered it too similar to the original name. He then figured that "king is going at the top" which brought him to "ZZ Top""
Source: Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZZ_Top
The other part I recall is that they wanted their albums easy to find & with a name like ZZ Top they would always be at the end of the racks in a record store :-)
They have never said how they came to pick the name. Another story is it’s a mesh of zig zags and Tops rolling papers
Originally there were called the moving sidewalks. Used to be a bar band, played a lot in Pasadena, Texas. ZZTOP is basically a tribute to the rolling papers of the day. Zig Zags and Tops.
5:52 ZZ stands for Zig Zag and Top comes from Topps -- both are brands of rolling papers
I always suspected that.
I don't know if this is true but I heard it from Billy Gibbons in an interview. He said he was in the loft of a barn with z shaped raters. There was a sign that said "beware of zz top." He thought that would be a good name for a band he was forming. He may have been pulling the interviewers leg. The rolling paper thing makes more sense.
I always thought it was a play on the name of BB King.
@@CravingBeer I always thought that too!
That’s what I’ve always thought it was too. ZZ Hill, Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland. A play on names like that.
"Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" is a good one.
Here Here
seen them in alpine valley wisconsin..greatest show i have i ever seen in my 64 yo life lol..lazers and everything...awesome band:)
Fun Fact - the only band member without a beard is the drummer, Frank Beard.
Ironic... lol
Broken God damn record in every freaking ZZ Top, video get a life who don't know jackass no new news here
I was hoping for this comment so I didn't have to post it!
Je snake Chill out and go have a drink. It's one of the amusing parts of the band.
Fuck expectations.
Pearl Necklace has always been my fav. Jammin to that while delivering pizzas with my t-tops off and windows.
My mom always said don't sing that I got older found out why lmao
So refreshing to see your reactions to songs I love, but forgot or grew tired of! Brings a freshness back to these great songs! Love it!
It's a John Lee Hooker riff. Even over here in Europe we venerate John Lee Hooker.
It's a standard blues riff. Many people have used it Muddy Waters Etc.
slim harpo "Shake Your Hips"
I saw Hooker and Canned Heat jamming on this -- for 45 minutes! Those were the days!
To be fair though, when it comes to that style Bo Diddly probably did it first. :)
doesnt hit my ears that way. please listen to Shake Your hips by Slim harpo or The Rolling Stones cover (Hip Shake) peace
When asked who his favorite guitarist was, Jimi Hendrix answered, "Billy Gibbons, no question".
Legendary guitarist.
I thought he said it was Phil Keaggy
@@soapytiger
I'm sure there are several versions of the story. Billy gibbons did play with Jimi and did impress him.
But I allow for the possibility that mine may simply be one of many misquotes expressing the same sentiment.
Regardless, Gibbons is a legendary axe man.
@@kentgrady9226 I'll buy it. I imagine there are many apocryphal sayings attributed to Jimi Hendrix, and others who have passed.
He said Terry Kath (Chicago) was better than he was.
Bro, U born 20 years to late as far as this song is concerned. ZZ Top is the oldest Trio in music, 50 yrs. Most marriages don't last that long. Been listen'n to this jam since '73. It'll never get old. I believe Your correct, their signature song among MANY greats.
One of my favorite bands!!!!
Some songs to consider:
Tush
Jesus just left Chicago
Blue jean blues
Just a fool for your stockings
I'm bad, I'm nationwide
2000 blues
Seconded for Tush, probably my favorite ZZ Top jam.
@@danielcody7568 lol..... a prime example of a 1-4-5, 12 bar blues song.....listen to tush, then listen to call me the breeze..... lol
mike mclaughlin I’m just a big fan of Dusty’s vocals on that track. A perfect example of a real gut-busting Rock & Roll belt. Right up there with Rod Stewart on “Stay With Me”.
"Heads in Mississippi" is a raucus blues rocker worth your time.
Man, You are my favorite you tube channel during these hard times. Thanks for making me re-enjoy these great songs. Be blessed.
They are talking about a infamous house of “Ill Repute” !!
I remember when Marvin Zindler broke it up. He as a notorious investigative reporter in Houston. Place had been there for near 100 years.
BTJ Marvin Zindler Eyeeeeeee Witness News!! 😝
@@btj1844 Mr. Slime in the ice machine himself......lol
ZZ will always be at the end of the bands in the music store. perfect marketing and easy to find
This little trio from Texas has been a hit making machine from day one. So, so many great songs they've recorded in their distinctive Texas Boogie style.
I think this type of swing is called the "Texas Shuffle," ZZ Top and SRV were masters of it.
You are thinking of John Lee Hooker’s “Boom-Boom-Boom”, 1972. The “Haw-Haw-Haw”. John Lee Hooker actually took ZZ Top to court for copyright infringement over this song. They settled out of court. But it is one of the best songs EVER to drive really fast too...
It's musically more similar to Slim Harpo's "Shake Your Hips" (1966) , covered most notably by The Rolling Stones on the "Exile on Main Street" album (1972)
To see them live is another awesome experience, saw them many times.
And yes, their song “I’m bad, I’m nationwide!” “Sharp dressed man” and “gimme all your lovin’”- I always think it’s best to suggest most common songs by bands, to folks just discovering them- ❤️🤘🏼✌️
Blue jean blues another great one
"We had a little apartment, a little hangout room that was lined with those rainbow-colored blues posters you’d say nailed to the telephone poll, [listing] who was coming to town.”
As the guys looked at the posters, Gibbons said they realized “it was odd how many current names had initials - O.V. Wright, D.C. Bender, and of course B.B. King - he was down on this end of the alphabet, then it was Z.Z. Hill.”
Billy recalled thinking, “Jeez, ZZ and King, that’s a good combo.” He then decided that ZZ King was too similar to B.B. King, thinking:
“King being at the top, I said, ‘Okay, so it’s gonna be ZZ Top, and that’s the way it is.”(Billy Gibbons, an interview on Ultimate Classic Rock Nights)
Wrong. It combined the two biggest rolling paper brands of the time, Zig Zag and Top.
@@rhizomorph-music I stand by my comment. I've read and listened to Billy Gibbons' interviews. Not sure where you got your story from, but you're certainly free to believe whatever you want.
@@rhizomorph-music you are the one who is mistaken. thas some old bullshit rumor.
All of this outstanding music that your discovering is the soundtrack of my life
The story about the "ZZ" was always that they wanted to be easy to find in the alphabetical stacks in the music store, heh.
Cause AA Top just doesn't sound that catchy... Maybe for alcoholics.
Billy Gibbons was also into guys like JJ Cole but specifically BB King and ZZ Hill he drew as inspiration for the name
I've always heard it was a reference to Zig Zags made by the Topps paper company
Russell Gil I’ve always heard the same
@@DustyBleeker lolz hillarous comment
Good John Lee Hooker imitation lol i love anything pre-Eliminator. Blue Jean Blues and Fool for your Stockings are awesome!
I second these two songs!
Best driving music EVER!
Theres one that’s my personal favorite. They call it “I gotsta get paid”. It’s a cover from a rap song called
“25 lighters”. Which ZZ Top blows them out of the water! Please react to it. There are 2 that are similar in name the one I mentioned and “I just got paid”. Both are awesome but “I gotsta get paid” is my favorite. Heck react to em both.
Or You could react to every song they’ve ever done and we wouldn’t be mad!
"I Gotsta Get Paid" is a more recent one of theirs that I love.
Bro did you know? Several old timers told me this story. Billy Gibbons and ZZ Top opened for Jimi Hendrix in Texas. Jimi saw Billy play and told him after the show "Hey man you gonna be something some day." Word. One love, love your channel man! @Jamal
Do 'Just Got Paid', then you might afford to go to that shack outside LaGrange. 😁
I've had that riff stuck in my head since yesterday
La Grange is based on same beat as Boogie Chillin’ by John Lee Hooker
Yeah, they gotta lotta nice girls.
I share Just got paid, every time I get a bonus!
"The name ZZ Top, according to band member Billy Gibbons, came from a tribute to B.B. King. The band originally were going to call themselves “Z.Z. King” in King's honor, but then decided it was too similar to B.B. King. Because B.B. King was at the “top” of the blues world, they changed it to ZZ Top"
Not ZZ King, ZZ Hill
ZZ Hill is where they got the ZZ
I always thought the name was a nod to rolling papers 😄
@@dougjackson4133 What do you mean, "Not ZZ King"?? Yes, ZZ King! ZZ King is what they were originally going to call the band, and then later decided on ZZ Top. I never said that the "ZZ" part of ZZ Top wasn't in reference to ZZ Hill. I only stated that the name was originally going to be ZZ King... And that's a fact! If you disagree, argue with Billy Gibbons about it, not me, because this fact came directly from his mouth.
@@nancyscogin7549 I guess that means you're a pot head? Don't get mad, just asking.
I took my late husband to see ZZ Top at the Spectrum in Philly in the 80’’s. They became his favorite band👍🏼
As soon as I saw you posted this reaction 29 minutes earlier, I had to check it out.
The “Chicken Ranch” was the name of the “house” outside LaGrange, TX. True story.
You can’t do “Jesus Just Left Chicago” without doing it together with “Waitin’ For The Bus” first. It’s just so cool to hear them together ZZ has so many great songs.
Over 50 year history for that “Little ol band from Texas” as they are called here in Texas. Three musicians with numerous hits.
Please do these together. Bluesy terrific!
“Waitin’ for the bus/Jesus just left Chicago”.
ZZ TOP = ZigZag + Top rolling papers 😉
Looking at that a album cover:
Frank Beard(drums)beardless
Billy Gibbons(lead guitar) in the middle
Dusty Hill(bass) right side-sings LaGrange
The Chicken Ranch is also portrayed in the movie Best Little Whorehouse in Texas starring Dolly Parton. If I remember correctly, Marvin Zindler - a Houston news celeb - reported on the story about the Chicken Ranch and helped to get it closed down.
Wrong? Billy Gibbons sings Lagrange, Dusty sings Tush...facts!!
Michael Riggan Good grief, for years I thought it was Dusty🤷🏻♀️
The guitarist is Billy Gibbons, he was Jimi Hendrix's favorite guitarist.
Him and Terry Kath (Chicago). Two of Hendrix's favorites. ua-cam.com/video/7uAUoz7jimg/v-deo.html
He taught Jimi how to play slide guitar.
And Jimi was Lemmy's favourite guitarist !
Thought jimi’s favorite was johnny winter
The funny thing is the one guy without a beard in the band, the drummer, is named Frank Beard. Love listening! Keep on keeping on, brother!
Alright, some... ZZ Top! 🤘🏻🎸🎷
"I Need You Tonight", is one of their most bluesiest songs 🎵🎼, they ever written!
"Legs" and "sharp dressed man" are THE music videos of the 80's
And that is when they lost me.
That funny, that's when I found them lol