The Golden Dawn

Among the psychedelic outfits from Texas in the 1960s that appeared on International Artists—the imprint best known for the 13th Floor Elevators—was the Golden Dawn. Their recordings closely echoed the Elevators’ approach, yet lead vocalist George Kinney delivered lines with a softer, more delicate touch than Roky Erickson. Such parallels were understandable, because Kinney had known Erickson since childhood and had shared stages with him in the pre-Elevators band the Fugitives. Kinney later performed with the Chelsea, whose lineup at one point also included 13th Floor Elevators member Powell St. John. With support from the Elevators, the Golden Dawn secured a place on the International Artists roster. Late in the decade they issued the album Power Plant, whose ornate cover, cryptic liner notes, and enigmatic lyrics again recalled the Elevators’ style. Kinney’s connection to Erickson’s story persisted after the Golden Dawn dissolved; he underwrote the publication of Erickson’s book Openers, an action that aided Roky’s departure from Rusk State Hospital. George Kinney died on July 18, 2022, at the age of 75.