In February, ZZ Top were one of the recipients of the 2011 Texas Medal of Arts; the awards spotlight and celebrate the creative excellence, exemplary talents and outstanding contributions by Texans in selected categories, ultimately saluting the best in Texas.
Presented by Gov. Rick Perry, the awards were handed out at the Texas Cultural Trust's annual gala on Tuesday, March 1, at Austin's Long Center for the Performing Arts.
Now comes news that guitarist Billy Gibbons has been named the official Texas State Musician for 2012.
""To say we're proud to be named Texas State Musician for 2012 would be a complete understatement," said Gibbons in a statement released Tuesday by ZZ Top's longtime publicist Bob Merlis.
The Texas Commission on the Arts announced the awards Monday; the State Legislature makes the appointments, which carry no official duties or additional compensation, in two-year bunches.
Lyle Lovett was named the 2011 honoree; he and Gibbons are the first two official state musicians from the Houston area, and the first from outside Central Texas.
Previous honorees include Sara Hickman (2010); Willie Nelson (2009); Shelley King (2008); Dale Watson (2007); Billy Joe Shaver (2006), Johnny Gimble (2005); Ray Benson (2004); and classical pianist James Dick (2003).
ZZ Top ZZ Top – La Grange
Double Down Live DVD (2009)
See also:
ZZ Top: new album due in 2011
ZZ Top to receive Texas Medal Of Arts
ZZ Top, Extreme guitarists help launch new Pushking album
Steven Tyler to appear on new ZZ Top tribute album
ZZ Top to record with Rick Rubin
