IN MEMORIAM

Roky Erickson

The news of Roky Erickson’s sudden death ripped through all of Austin at the Stevie Ray Vaughan level on Friday, May 31, leaving a Texas-sized hole in its musical heart. At 71, Roky had lived almost twice as long as Stevie Ray, and he, too, helped define the city and the category-busting music for which it is known.

Given the tumultuous life story of Roger Kynard Erickson, he should never have seen 30, let alone 70, but 71 was still way too soon. His life had been a sign of hope and redemption and recovery and the healing power of rock and roll for so long that we needed him out there as a symbol.

Born in Dallas but raised in Austin, Roky burst onto the scene with The was still a year away. Roky Erickson was 19 years old.