ZZ Hill - Definition and Overview

Z. Z. Hill (born Arzell Hill September 30, 1935 in Naples, Texas - April 27, 1984 in Dallas) was an American blues singer, in the Soul blues tradition, known for his 1970s and 80s records for Malaco. His Down Home Blues (1982) stayed on the charts for nearly two years. The title track and songs, "Someone Else Is Steppin In" and "Open House" have become staples.

Hill began his singing carer in the late 1950's as part of a gospel group called The Spiritual Five, touring Texas. Around 1960, he started collecting records by BB King, Freddie King, Sam Cooke, Bobby "Blue" Bland and Wilson Pickett and began singing and writing songs influenced by these styles. In 1964 he moving to California and recorded "You Were Wrong" on his brother's M.H. label. The single charted and Hill released several more singles for Kent, but none of them charted. He moved labels several times, then signed to United Artists, where he released several successful singles, including his biggest hit "Love Is So Good When You're Stealing It". Unfortunately his rising tallent was cut short when he died suddenly of a heart attack in 1984. He has been missed by colleagues and followers, as tribute concerts and albums have occured over the years.