Just Got Paid (2019)

The song "Just Got Paid" by ZZ Top, featured on their 2019 album RAW: ‘That Little Ol’ Band From Texas’ Original Soundtrack, is a gritty, blues-infused track from their 1972 album Rio Grande Mud. This song captures the thrill of payday with its infectious groove, perfectly suited for the Zoo Crew’s hippie DJ vibe and their Zoo Freaks audience. In a 2013 article on Ultimate Classic Rock, the song was celebrated as a weekend anthem, embodying the joy of a "payday-swollen wallet" after a hard week’s work. Its raw energy and Texas boogie style made it a fan favorite, though the album itself only reached number 104 on Billboard’s Top 200, hinting at the band’s growing but still underground appeal at the time.

Interestingly, "Just Got Paid" has been widely covered by other artists, showcasing its enduring influence. Bands like Mastodon, UFO, and Joe Bonamassa have put their spin on it, with Mastodon’s version appearing on the 2009 compilation Covered, A Revolution in Sound. A 2016 animated video by Gov’t Mule for their cover further highlights the song’s versatility across genres. Discogs notes a 1974 German vinyl release pairing "Just Got Paid" with "La Grange," a collectible item for fans, as shared in a 2015 post by @ZZTop on X. These covers and releases underscore the song’s lasting resonance in rock and blues circles.

ZZ Top formed in Houston, Texas, in 1969, with vocalist-guitarist Billy Gibbons, drummer Frank Beard, and bassist-vocalist Dusty Hill, the latter replaced by Elwood Francis after Hill’s passing in 2021. The band’s roots trace back to Gibbons’ earlier group, Moving Sidewalks, which opened for Jimi Hendrix in 1968 and disbanded in 1969. Gibbons, inspired by Hendrix’s praise as “one of America’s best young guitarists,” teamed up with Beard and Hill to create a blues-rock trio with a distinctive Texas flair. Their debut, ZZ Top’s First Album, released in 1971 with London Records, laid the groundwork for their signature sound, blending Gibbons’ searing guitar with Hill and Beard’s tight rhythm section. By 1973, Tres Hombres and its hit "La Grange" propelled them to wider fame, cementing their status as rock icons.

The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring and a commitment to their bluesy roots, as detailed in their 2019 documentary, That Little Ol’ Band From Texas. A 2019 post by @ZZTop on X highlighted their 50-year journey, noting 30 million records sold and 17 Billboard Hot 100 hits while staying true to their Houston origins. Their humorous lyrics and iconic bearded look—ironically, drummer Beard is clean-shaven—became trademarks, especially during their 1980s MTV era with albums like Eliminator. Despite evolving to include synthesizers and new wave influences, their core sound remained rooted in the blues, a fact emphasized in a 2019 X interview clip with engineer Robin Brians.

Fans can connect with ZZ Top through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, vinyl releases, and documentary insights. For solo work, Billy Gibbons’ official website offers news on his BFG’s projects. Fan communities thrive online, with groups like the ZZ Top Fan Club on Facebook fostering discussions among dedicated Zoo Freaks. Websites such as AllMusic and Songfacts provide detailed discographies and trivia, while r/ZZTop on Reddit offers a space for fans to share stories and memorabilia, keeping the band’s legacy alive.