Yesterday we posted an image of ZZ Top with an interesting factoid about the band, stating that it has had the same three band members since 1969.  Among the comments, one reader stated that the band had actually started out under another name The 13th Floor Elevators, a name we were not familiar with and it sounds like–from the comments–most of our readers were not either. So, of course, we had to do some research into the story for our own curiosity and wanted to share what we found with you.

The simple answer is no, The 13th Floor Elevators did not evolve into ZZ Top. Both bands were from Texas and 13FE existed from 1965 to 1969, while ZZ Top started in ’69, it it was possible that the two were part of the same lineage. The members of 13FE were guitarist and vocalist Roky Erickson, electric jug player (yes, an ELECTRIC jug player) Tommy Hall, and guitarist Stacy Sutherland. On the other hand, as most of you already know, ZZ Top consists of bassist and lead vocalist Dusty Hill, guitarist and lead vocalist Billy Gibbons, and drummer Frank Beard. So no one from 13FE there, sorry.

But there is a connection to the two bands and, if you listen to one of their tunes below you can hear a similarity in sound. We also found that Gibbons is quoted as saying that he was influenced by the group is also credited with coining the term “psychedelic rock” to describe their music. (We know, other bands and critics also claim to have originated the term, but we’re not going to have that argument in this post. And besides, it was the 60s and who really can accurately remember anything from that era?)

Take a listen to this track from the 13th Floor Elevators called “You’re Gonna Miss Me” and tell us if it doesn’t sound just a little like a ZZ Top song.