The song from “Tres Hombres” was recorded as part of an intimate session at Gruene Hall, “the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas”, as captured for the 2019 Netflix documentary, “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas.”
As a single, “La Grange” was the most successful release the band had experienced up to that time and would become a signature song for the group for almost five decades. The song is something of an homage to “The Chicken Ranch,” a real-life brothel that was located in the town of La Grange, just 88 miles away from New Braunfels.
“La Grange” anticipated the story, written by Larry L. King, that was the basis for the Broadway musical, "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas." The film version starred Dolly Parton as Mona Stangley, proprietor of the much-celebrated establishment.
The late Dusty Hill once recalled, “Shortly after the record was released, they shut it down, and I went around and spent a lot of my time in Texas explaining to people that we didn’t have anything to do with that.”
“That place was the scene of many a ‘rite of passage,’” added Billy Gibbons. “The closing line, ‘But I might be mistaken,’ was inspired by Buddy Holly’s ‘Peggy Sue Got Married.’”
Due July 22, “Raw” is dedicated “in righteous memory of Dusty Hill”, the bassist who passed away at his home in Houston, TX last July after stepping away from a 2021 tour to address a hip issue; the group enlisted longtime guitar tech Elwood Francis to handle bass duties during what was expected to be a short-term absence, and who continues to perform with the group.
“Raw” will be available on 180 gram vinyl, CD and through digital platforms.
ZZ Top
“Raw”
Release date: July 22
"Brown Sugar"
"Just Got Paid"
“Heard It On The X"
"La Grange"
"Tush"
"Thunderbird"
"I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide"
"Gimme All Your Lovin'"
"Blue Jean Blues"
"Certified Blues"
"Tube Snake Boogie"
See also:
ZZ Top stream Brown Sugar performance from Raw live album
ZZ Top announce Raw live album and tour
ZZ Top sells music catalog for $50 million
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 3: ZZ TOP
Search ZZ Top at hennemusic
