William Frederick Gibbons was born on this day in Houston, Texas in 1949. The future ZZ Top guitarist's dad was a conductor and pianist for MGM Studios. Billy was in three groups before forming the Moving Sidewalks, a bad that got enough recognition that the then 18 year old Gibbons got to meet and establish a friendship with Jimi Hendrix. ZZ Top's formation followed in 1969, and the Texas trio released its debut album two years later.

Also born on 12/16 was Tony Hicks of the Hollies (1943). The Who announced one of their break-ups on this date in 1983, and the Rock Hall Of Fame announced Peter Gabriel, KISS, Hall & Oates, Linda Ronstadt and Cat Stevens as its 2014 inductees on this day in 2013.