13th Floor Elevators

Hailing from Austin, Texas, the members of 13th Floor Elevators were pioneers of psychedelic music. Their lyrics and sleeve notes openly endorsed the use of drugs to alter human consciousness. The band achieved success in 1966 with their hit song "You're Gonna Miss Me." However, their career was cut short when they faced legal troubles due to drug charges. Despite this setback, lead singer Roky Erickson went on to have a successful solo career after being released from a mental institution in 1973. In recent years, he has made a comeback and continues to perform live.

The band's unique sound combined Roky Erickson's unforgettable vocals with Stacy Sutherland's guitar skills and Tommy Hall's electric jug runs. They released two influential albums in the late 1960s: "The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators" and "Easter Everywhere."

Although their music gained popularity among fans of garage psychedelia, the conservative environment in Texas at that time posed challenges for the band. The authorities targeted them for drug-related offenses, leading to legal troubles and ultimately causing their breakup. Despite these obstacles, 13th Floor Elevators left a lasting impact on psychedelic rock music.