Roger Kynard "Roky" Erickson (July 15, 1947 – May 31, 2019) was an American musician and songwriter best known for his work as a founding member of The 13th Floor Elevators. Born in Austin, Texas, Erickson sang, played guitar and harmonica, and became closely identified with the experimental sounds and imagery of psychedelic rock.
Early life
Erickson grew up in Austin, where he began performing as a teenager. His distinctive voice and the band's unconventional combination of electric instruments and lyrical themes helped the group stand out during the mid-1960s music scene.
Career
As a principal songwriter and frontman for The 13th Floor Elevators, Erickson contributed to recordings and performances that influenced later rock and underground music. After the group's initial run, he recorded solo material and remained an influential figure for generations of musicians exploring psychedelic, garage and alternative styles.
Health, later work and legacy
Erickson's life and career were affected by mental health and legal difficulties beginning in the late 1960s, which limited his output and public appearances for periods of time. In subsequent decades he returned to recording and performing intermittently and received growing recognition for his role in shaping the sound of 1960s psychedelic music.
Death
Roky Erickson died at his home in Austin on May 31, 2019, at the age of 71. He is remembered for his songwriting, distinctive vocals and lasting influence on the development of psychedelic and alternative rock.