American Blues
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1960s in Texas, United States |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Texas , United States |
| Products | Psychedelic blues rock music |
American Blues was a rock ensemble originating from Texas during the 1960s, recognized for their distinctive blend of psychedelic blues rock heavily inspired by the 13th Floor Elevators. The group is particularly significant for including future ZZ Top members Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. Between 1966 and 1968, they maintained an active presence throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth–Houston region, frequently headlining at venues such as three different "The Cellar" clubs in Dallas, "The Walrus" located on Mockingbird Lane, and Houston’s unique "Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine" at Allen's Landing. Their 1968 album release, American Blues 'Is Here', featured the lineup of Hill, Hill, Davis, and Beard.
In approximately 1968, the band transitioned their base from Dallas–Fort Worth to Houston. Guitarist Rocky Hill opted to pursue a direction centered on traditional blues, whereas Dusty Hill favored a more rock-oriented approach. This divergence led to Rocky Hill's departure, after which Dusty Hill and Frank Beard became members of the newly formed ZZ Top.
Rocky Hill continued his musical career by touring throughout Texas and earned acclaim as a leading blues guitarist alongside contemporaries like Rocky Athas and Charlie Sexton. Dubbed "The Anti-Clapton," he was characterized by the Houston Press as potentially the most intense and formidable Texas white blues guitarist, both on stage and off.
Members
- Rocky Hill – guitar
- Dusty Hill – bass
- Richard Harris – drums
- Doug Davis – piano on "Mellow"
- Frank Beard – drums
- Rick Steed – drums
Albums
- American Blues 'Is Here' (1968)
- American Blues 'Do Their Thing' (1968)