Frank Beard, the drummer known for his rhythmic contributions to the Texas boogie rock band ZZ Top, has passed away at the age of 77. He was instrumental in the success of hits such as “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’.” Beard died on Tuesday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while under palliative care, surrounded by family, according to his publicist Bob Merlis.

ZZ Top’s co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, currently touring with bassist Elwood Francis, paid tribute to Beard in a statement. “Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers, a true son of Texas. His signature backbeat was key in keeping ZZ Top at the forefront. The band he was part of for six decades will continue as he wished,” said Gibbons.

ZZ Top sold over 50 million albums and achieved six singles reaching number 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Seven of their albums have appeared in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, and they received three Grammy nominations.

In the 2019 documentary “ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas,” Beard expressed his dedication to the band. “I found the people I was meant to play with. I never wanted to give up and never wanted to be fired,” he said.