Roky Erickson, Dr. John & Jim DeRogatis on R. Kelly
Roky Erickson and his group the 13th Floor Elevators spread the psychedelic gospel in the heart of Texas in the 1960s and influenced groups like R.E.M. and ZZ Top. After a tumultuous life that included a long battle with schizophrenia, Roky died last month at 71. Jim and Greg pay tribute this week on Sound Opinions. Plus, Greg interviews Jim about what he learned about the nature of music in 19 years of investigating R. Kelly and they say goodbye to Dr. John.
Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly
One of the foundational tenets of Sound Opinions is that music is powerful and, in the best cases, music can save your life. We rarely talk about the flip side of a life saved by rock and roll on Sound Opinions, but the release of Jim's book Soulless: The Case Against R.Kelly, Jim and Greg thought it was time to examine one of those stories. In 19 years of investigating R. Kelly, Jim has found that Kelly used this same power of music for his own malevolent ends.
Jim and Greg also discuss how music critics and journalists have played a part in minimizing R.Kelly's alleged misdeeds in the name of his talent. What obligation does the music community have to learn about the personal lives of musical heroes?
Roky Erickson and The 13th Floor Elevators
Roky Erickson was a psychedelic pioneer who kept bouncing back to music despite many tragic challenges throughout his life. With The 13th Floor Elevators he helped spread drug-assisted enlightenment in one of the least accepting places in America: 1960s Texas. After their single "You’re Gonna Miss Me" became a national hit, The Elevators appeared on American Bandstand and amassed a significant following, largely on the strength of Erickson's vocals. Combining elements of Little Richard, James Brown and Buddy Holly, Greg says Erickson had a punk rock approach to music as early as 1965.
With a larger audience came closer scrutiny, especially from Texas law enforcement. Roky was busted for drug possession twice in the late 60s and plead insanity to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. Over his four year stay in Rusk State Hospital, Erickson battled schizophrenia and underwent electroconvulsive therapy. By the mid-70s Erickson was out of the institution and returned with darker music exploring paranormal and horror movie themes.
After another run-in with the law (this time for mail theft), long-time Elevators fan turned music publicist, Bill Bentley, organized a fundraising tribute album: Where The Pyramid Meets The Eye. From that album's release in 1990 until his death last month, the music community of Austin, Texas (including Okkervil River, Butthole Surfers and ZZ Top) shared the duty of supporting Erickson with his family, helping him thrive as a musician until the end.
Dr. John
On June 6, musician and songwriter Dr. John died at age 77. The "Right Place, Wrong Time" singer began his career as a session musician and later became a solo artist, winning six Grammys for his unique blend of the blues, rock and jazz. Jim and Greg bid farewell to the New Orleans' original and speak about his storied career and rocky life journey.
Featured Songs
- Roky Erickson & Bleibalien, "Red Temple Prayer (Two-Headed Dog)," (single), Mars, 1975
- The Stuyvesants, "Greene Ave. Anthem," Brooklyn's Finest, SD, 2010
- Roky Erickson And Evil Hook Wildlife (ET), "You Don't Love Me Yet," (single), Fundamental, 1987
- The Spades, "You're Gonna Miss Me," (single), Zero, 1965
- The 13th Floor Elevators, "You're Gonna Miss Me," The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators, International Artists, 1966
- Little Richard, "Keep A Knockin'," (single), Specialty, 1957
- Buddy Holly and the Crickets, "Not Fade Away," The "Chirping" Crickets, Brunswick, 1957
- The First Edition, "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)," The First Edition, Reprise, 1967
- The 13th Floor Elevators, "Roller Coaster," The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators, International Artists, 1966
- The 13th Floor Elevators, "Monkey Island," The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators, International Artists, 1966
- The Rolling Stones, "Monkey Man," Let It Bleed, Decca, 1969
- Pink Floyd, "Main Theme," Soundtrack From The Film "More", Columbia, 1969
- Television, "Fire Engine (Live at CBGB)," Unreleased, NA, 1975
- The 13th Floor Elevators, "Fire Engine ," The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators, International Artists, 1966
- The 13th Floor Elevators, "Slip Inside This House," Easter Everywhere, International Artists, 1967
- Roky Erickson & Bleibalien, "Starry Eyes," (single), Mars, 1975
- Roky Erickson And The Aliens, "Bloody Hammer," (single), CBS, 1980
- Roky Erickson, "Don't Slander Me," Clear Night For Love, New Rose, 1985
- ZZ Top, "Reverberation (Doubt)," Where The Pyramid Meets The Eye - A Tribute To Roky Erickson, Sire, 1990
- R.E.M., "I Walked With A Zombie," Where The Pyramid Meets The Eye - A Tribute To Roky Erickson, Sire, 1990
- Roky Erickson, "Please, Judge," True Love Cast Out All Evil, Anti-, 2010
- Dr. John, "Right Place, Wrong Time," In the Right Place, Atco, 1973
- Dr. John, "I Walk On Guilded Splinters," Gris-Gris, Atco, 1968
- The Beatles, "Any Time at All," A Hard Day's Night, Parlophone, 1964
- Mavis Staples, "You Are Not Alone," You Are Not Alone, Anti-, 2010
- The Staple Singers, "I'll Take You There," Be Altitude: Respect Yourself, Stax, 1971
- The Staple Singers, "Respect Yourself," Be Altitude: Respect Yourself, Stax, 1971
- Mavis Staples, "I Have Learned to Do Without You," Only for the Lonely, Volt, 1970
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