The 13th Floor Elevators

The Pioneers of Psychedelic Rock in Central Texas While Austin became world-famous for its cosmic cowboys and electrifying blues slinger era, the city’s counterculture roots trace directly back to the sonic rebellion of The 13th Floor Elevators. Led by the otherworldly vocal power of Roky Erickson and the electric jug wizardry of Tommy Hall, the…

Townes Van Zandt

The Poet Laureate of Texas Songwriting While electric blues bands and rowdy cosmic cowboys pumped volume into Austin’s emerging nightlife, Townes Van Zandt provided its beating, melancholy poetic heart. Though born in Fort Worth, Van Zandt’s haunting acoustic masterpieces, nomadic spirit, and deep integration into Austin’s listening-room culture made him an immortal figure in the…