Frank Beard Net Worth

Frank Beard Net Worth: The Drummer of ZZ Top’s Financial Success

What is Frank Beard’s Net Worth?

Frank Beard, the iconic drummer of the legendary rock band ZZ Top, has amassed a significant net worth of $50 million. This financial success is a testament to his long and illustrious career in the music industry. Before achieving global fame with ZZ Top, Beard honed his skills in several other bands, including The Cellar Dwellers, The Hustlers, The Warlocks, and American Blues. His journey eventually led him to collaborate with Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill, forming the trio that would become synonymous with blues-rock excellence. Beard’s nickname in the early days of ZZ Top was “Rube,” and he was even credited as “Rube Beard” on the band’s first and third albums.

ZZ Top’s impact on music is undeniable. They’ve released 15 studio albums and four live albums, creating a legacy of hit singles like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’.” Their music has transcended the audio format, gracing the soundtracks of films such as “Back to the Future Part III” (1990) and “Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme” (1990), as well as television series including “Ellen” (1996) and “Two and a Half Men” (2010). Their enduring influence was recognized in 2004 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Furthermore, the 2019 documentary “That Little Ol’ Band from Texas” received a Grammy nomination, further solidifying their place in music history.

Early Life and Origins

Frank Lee Beard was born on June 11, 1949, in Frankston, Texas. His roots are firmly planted in the Lone Star State. According to the genealogy website Geneastar, his parents were Rachel Elizabeth Dossett and John Woodrow Beard. Beard’s formative years included attending Irving High School, where he likely began cultivating his musical interests and talents. This foundation set the stage for his future success in the vibrant world of rock and roll.

The Rise of a Rock Legend: Frank Beard’s Career

Frank Beard’s career is a story of perseverance, talent, and collaboration. In 1969, he and his future ZZ Top bandmate Dusty Hill toured as a Texas-based version of the British band The Zombies, which had disbanded in 1968. They were also members of a band called The Outlaws, showcasing Beard’s early experience in the music scene. His career took a significant turn in May 1969 when he joined Billy Gibbons’ band, The Moving Sidewalks. It was through this connection that Beard introduced Gibbons to Dusty Hill, sparking the creative synergy that would soon define ZZ Top. The band adopted the name ZZ Top in July 1969 and signed with London Records, leading to the release of their debut album, “ZZ Top’s First Album” in 1971. This was followed by “Rio Grande Mud” in 1972 and “Tres Hombres” in 1973, cementing their place in the burgeoning rock scene.

The pressures of success, however, took a toll. Beard battled drug addiction, turning to cocaine, heroin, and LSD. Recognizing the need for help, he sought treatment, and the band went on hiatus for three years, starting in 1976. This period was crucial for his recovery and the band’s future. ZZ Top’s comeback was triumphant. They achieved their first Platinum album with 1979’s “Degüello.” The 1983 album “Eliminator” achieved Diamond certification, and “Afterburner” (1985) went 5x Platinum. Their subsequent albums, “Recycler” (1990) and “Antenna” (1994), both achieved Platinum status. The band’s popularity continued to soar; they even performed at the Super Bowl XXXI halftime show in 1997. In the 2000s, they continued to release successful albums, including “Mescalero” (2003) and “La Futura” (2012). Additionally, ZZ Top has released several live albums, including “Live from Texas” (2008), “Double Down Live” (2009), “Live at Montreux 2013” (2014), and “Tonite at Midnight: Live Greatest Hits from Around the World” (2016), further demonstrating their enduring appeal. The band faced a significant loss with the passing of Dusty Hill in July 2021. True to Hill’s wishes, their guitar tech, Elwood Francis, stepped in to continue the legacy.

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Personal Life and Interests

Frank Beard’s personal life reveals a man who values family and a variety of interests beyond music. He married Catherine Alexander on April 12, 1978, and though the marriage ended in divorce in 1981, he found love again with Debbie Meredith, whom he married on November 11, 1982. They have three children together. While on tour with ZZ Top in 2002, Beard underwent an emergency appendectomy in Paris. In a testament to the band’s resilience, the drum tech, John Douglas, filled in at the next concert, marking the first time in 33 years that ZZ Top performed without one of its core members. Beard currently resides in Richmond, Texas, and is the owner of the TOP 40 Ranch. Interestingly, he was known as the only member of ZZ Top without a beard for many years, until he finally embraced the iconic look in 2013. Beyond music, Beard is an avid golfer and is a scratch golfer, meaning his handicap is zero, showcasing his dedication to the sport.

Awards and Recognition for ZZ Top

ZZ Top’s contributions to music have been widely recognized through numerous awards and nominations. They have been nominated for three Grammy Awards: Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Eliminator” (1983) and “Afterburner” (1986), and Best Music Film for “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” (2020). They have also been nominated for over a dozen MTV Video Music Awards, winning Best Direction for “Sharp Dressed Man” (1984), Best Group Video for “Legs” (1984), and Best Art Direction for “Rough Boy” (1986). Furthermore, the band received Brit Award nominations for Best International Solo Artist (1985) and International Group (1986), as well as Juno Award nominations for International Album of the Year for “Eliminator” (1984) and “Afterburner” (1986). Their enduring influence on rock and roll was cemented in 1994 when they were inducted into Hollywood’s RockWalk at the Sunset Boulevard Guitar Center. In 1991, the state of Texas honored the band by declaring May 4th “ZZ Top Day” and naming them “Official Heroes for the State of Texas” by the Texas House of Representatives, a testament to their cultural impact.

Conclusion

Frank Beard’s net worth of $50 million is a reflection of his enduring talent and the monumental success of ZZ Top. From his early days in Texas bands to global recognition, Beard’s journey is a testament to the power of music, perseverance, and collaboration. His contributions to the music industry, combined with his personal interests and family life, paint the portrait of a true rock legend. ZZ Top’s legacy continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying their place as one of the most influential bands of all time.