Remembering Roky Erickson: The Psychedelic Rock Pioneer Who Put Austin on the Map

Roky Erickson was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who is best known for his work as the lead vocalist of the band 13th Floor Elevators. Born in Austin, Texas in 1947, Erickson started playing music at a young age and formed his first band The Spades when he was just 15 years old.

In the mid-60s, Erickson joined forces with Stacy Sutherland, Tommy Hall, Benny Thurman and John Ike Walton to form 13th Floor Elevators. The band quickly gained popularity for their unique sound that blended rock n’ roll with psychedelic music.

Erickson’s powerful vocals and poetic lyrics were a major factor contributing to the success of the band. Songs like “You’re Gonna Miss Me” and “Reverberation (Doubt)” became instant hits and helped define the burgeoning psychedelic rock scene in America.

However, Erickson’s rapid rise to fame was followed by a series of personal struggles. He suffered from mental health issues including schizophrenia which led to erratic behavior on stage and off. In 1969, he was arrested for possession of marijuana which resulted in a jail sentence that lasted three years.

After being released from prison, Erickson continued to struggle with mental illness and substance abuse which impacted his ability to make music professionally. However, he continued to write songs throughout his life and eventually returned to performing live shows in the early 2000s after receiving treatment for his mental health issues.

Despite all these challenges faced by Roky Erickson during his career as a musician; he remains an influential figure both within psychedelic rock circles as well as contemporary indie bands who have cited him as an inspiration over the decades since then.

In addition to being remembered for his musical talents; Roky will also be remembered for helping put Austin on the map as one of America’s most vibrant cities musically – through collaborations like those with fellow Texan Billy Gibbons and his work with the city’s music scene.

In conclusion, Roky Erickson may have had a tumultuous career as a musician but his contributions to the psychedelic rock movement are undeniable. His legacy as an artist continues to inspire new generations of musicians today.