Frank Lee Beard
USABiography of Frank Lee Beard
Frank Lee Beard is an American rock musician and the drummer of the rock band 'ZZ Top'. He was born on June 11, 1949, in the small town of Frankston, Texas. Beard attended Irving High School in Irving, Texas, where he developed a passion for playing the drums. In his youth, he joined an orchestra in a strip club, which marked the beginning of his musical career.
Before joining 'ZZ Top', Beard performed with several bands, including 'The Cellar Dwellars', a three-member group, 'The Hustlers', 'The Warlocks', and 'American Blues'. In 1969, he joined vocalist and guitarist Billy Gibbons, who had just left the band 'The Moving Sidewalks', to form their own project. Beard introduced Gibbons to bassist, vocalist, and keyboardist Dusty Hill, with whom they had previously played in 'American Blues', 'The Warlocks', and 'The Cellar Dwellers'.
Together, they developed their unique style, known as the "Texas boogie-blues rock", and released their first album titled 'ZZ Top's First Album' under 'London Records' in January 1971. During the early years of 'ZZ Top', Beard was known as "Rube" and appeared as Rube Beard on the cover of their first and third albums, 'Tres Hombres'. However, he used his real name for the cover of their second album 'Rio Grande Mud'. After 'Tres Hombres', he was consistently referred to as Frank Beard.
Ironically, Beard, whose surname translates to "beard" in English, is the only member of the most bearded band of modern times who does not wear a beard, only mustaches. While in the 90s, he briefly sported a neat beard, he quickly got rid of it. On the other hand, Gibbons and Hill proudly display their long beards since the late 70s.
Currently, Frank resides in Richmond, Texas, where he owns and manages the 'Top 40' ranch. He is an avid golfer and is well-known locally for actively participating in tournaments and community events. There is another professional golfer with the same name, but they should not be confused. Frank Beard is married and has twin sons and a daughter. He also has a passion for racing cars.
