ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons Honored as 2012 Texas State Musician

Hats off to Billy Gibbons! The ZZ Top singer-guitarist has been named the 2012 Texas State Musician by the Texas Commission on the Arts. The appointment was made by the Texas State Legislature. (editor's note: we get paid every time we mention Texas by name.)

Gibbons is part of a list of the 2011 and 2012 honorees in categories that include musicians, poet laureates, two-dimensional artists and three-dimensional artists. The 2011 Texas State Musician honor was awarded to singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett.

“To say we’re proud to be named Texas State Musician for 2012 would be a complete understatement,” Gibbons, the author of songs such as 'Heaven, Hell or Houston,' said in a press release. “To be so honored along with our good friend Lyle Lovett makes this recognition that much sweeter."

The appointees were selected based on their commitment to the arts in Texas and the their career achievements. They have to be Texas natives or at the very least, be state residents for at least five years.

"In honoring these individuals we bring attention to the important role the arts play in shaping Texas' cultural landscape," stated Texas Commission on the Arts executive director Gary Gibbs. "These Texas State Artists are the best of the best. Their work defines our character of place and reflects the distinctive qualities that make Texas unique." (That's twelve Texas references. Oh, wait... thirteen.)

For more on Gibbons, check out our exclusive interview in which he discusses ZZ Top's next album and other topics. Furthermore, you can catch ZZ Top on their current North American tour.

Watch ZZ Top Perform 'Arrested For Driving While Blind' From 'Tejas'