ZZ Hill

ZZ Hill was born Arzell Hill Jr. in Tyler, Texas in 1935. He grew up around music, with his father playing guitar and exposing him to blues and gospel. By his teens, he was singing in local churches and clubs, developing the vocal style that would become his calling card.

He signed with Kent Records in 1964 and released his debut album 'Down South' that same year. The album included 'You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now,' a song that showcased his raw, emotional delivery. His voice had a particular quality, sometimes slipping into falsetto, sometimes carrying a deep ache, that made songs like 'Chokin' Kind' and 'Down Home Blues' feel lived-in rather than performed.

Hill recorded through the 1960s and into the 1970s, putting out albums like 'The Soul of ZZ Hill' and 'That Ain't the Way You Make Love.' He worked with various musicians, including guitarist Sammy Berfect and keyboardist James Camp. While he faced personal struggles, his recordings from that period, especially 'Down Home Blues,' have remained touchstones for blues and soul listeners.

He died in 1984 at age 48. His music, particularly those early Kent sides and later tracks like 'Friday Is My Day,' still surfaces in blues sets and collections, keeping his voice in the conversation.