Date of Birth: July 15, 1947
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: May 31, 2019
Biography
Roky Erickson, born Roger Kynard Erickson, was an American musician and a pivotal figure in the development of psychedelic rock. He was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in Austin, where he would later form The 13th Floor Elevators, one of the first psychedelic rock bands. Their debut album, “The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators,” released in 1966, featured the hit song “You’re Gonna Miss Me” and became a cornerstone of the genre. Erickson’s career was marked by both musical brilliance and personal struggles. In 1969, he was arrested for possession of a small amount of marijuana and chose to plead insanity to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. This led to him being committed to a psychiatric hospital, where he underwent electroconvulsive therapy and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Despite these challenges, Erickson continued to make music, evolving his sound to include elements of hard rock and horror-themed lyrics. His solo career included the critically acclaimed album “The Evil One,” which showcased his unique blend of rock and supernatural themes. Erickson’s influence extended beyond his own recordings, inspiring generations of musicians and earning a cult following. In the 2000s, with the help of his younger brother Sumner, Roky regained some stability and began performing again, receiving widespread recognition for his contributions to music. He continued to perform and record until his passing, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and resilience.
5 Interesting Facts about Roky Erickson
1. Roky Erickson co-founded The 13th Floor Elevators, widely considered one of the first psychedelic rock bands.
2. The band’s song “You’re Gonna Miss Me” became a hit and is often cited as a seminal track in psychedelic rock.
3. Erickson was diagnosed with schizophrenia and underwent electroconvulsive therapy during his time in a psychiatric hospital.
4. He had a fascination with horror themes, which heavily influenced his solo works, including the album “The Evil One.”
5. In the 2000s, Roky made a significant comeback with the help of his family and continued to perform at major music festivals.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roky Erickson
1. “I’ve always been interested in the supernatural and the unknown.”
2. “Music has always been the most important thing in my life, even during the darkest times.”
3. “I’ve had my share of struggles, but I never stopped believing in the power of music.”
4. “The 13th Floor Elevators was about more than just music; it was a way of life and thinking.”
5. “I’m grateful for the fans who stuck by me and believed in my music.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Roky Erickson’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Roky Erickson had one son, Jegar Erickson.
Relevant Links
1. [Roky Erickson on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roky_Erickson
2. [The official Roky Erickson website](http://www.rokyerickson.com/
3. [Roky Erickson’s Discogs profile](https://www.discogs.com/artist/253261-Roky-Erickson
