Rock and Pop Star Deaths in 2019

Roky Erickson

Nee: Roger Erickson

Bands: The 13th Floor Elevators, solo artist

Position: vocalist/guitarist

Died: May 31

Cause of death: undisclosed

Age: 71

Distinctions: Considered one of the founders of '60s psychedelic garage rock, he led the Austin-based 13th Floor Elevators who had a No. 55 hit with "You're Gonna Miss Me" in 1966 off their debut album, The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators. He went on to lead Roky Erickson & the Aliens and Roky Erickson & the Resurrectionists and record 15 studio albums as a solo artist. The 2007 film You're Gonna Miss Me documents his unusual life and career. In 1967, after being arrested for possessing a small amount of marijuana, he pled insanity and was institutionalized for three years. Erickson became more erratic mentally from that point on and was never the same, though he remained a respected and legendary figure in Austin, where he performed occasionally until his death.

Steve Bloom

Steve Bloom

Publisher of CelebStoner.com, former editor of High Times and Freedom Leaf and co-author of Pot Culture and Reefer Movie Madness.