George Kinney, Who Helmed the Golden Dawn's Early Psych Rock Treasure Power Plant, Has Died

[TexasTowelie]

AUSTIN -- George Kinney – singer, guitarist, and lyricist for the Austin-based psychedelic rock act the Golden Dawn, whose 1968 LP Power Plant became a late-realized genre gem – died today at age 75. The news came out via his band’s Facebook page:

“It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of George Kinney, on July 18, 2022. George was the driving force behind The Golden Dawn and a pioneer/founder of the 60’s Psychedelic Music movement. George was surrounded by family in love as he transitioned from this world to the next. He will be missed greatly.

“As a singer, songwriter and guitarist, his musical legacy will live on through his albums, as well as in the mind, hearts and souls of countless young musicians and fans he has influenced over the years. His talent will never be forgotten.”

The psychedelic philosopher, born in Austin in 1946, also released a well-received solo album, 2000’s After the Fall, and then two follow-ups to Power Plant: Texas Medicine (credited as George Kinney & the New Riders of the Golden Dawn) in 2006 and Rebel Heart (billed as George Kinney & the Golden Dawn) in 2017, arriving exactly 50 years after the band recorded their magnum opus. Kinney, a graduate of the University of Texas with degrees in Journalism and Traditional Chinese Medicine, also authored two novels, The Bandit King and Brave New Texas, and published his childhood friend Roky Erickson’s poetry collection, titled Openers, which the 13th Floor Elevators singer had written during his infamous stay in Rusk State Hospital. The writings had to be smuggled out in a boot.

Read more: https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2022-07-18/george-kinney-who-helmed-the-golden-dawns-early-psych-rock-treasure-power-plant-has-died/

[OAITW r.2.0]

1. What memories he must have had. Probably intersected with a lot of people

who made Texas music a thing. RIP and

[TexasTowelie]

2. I've listened to the album a few dozen times over the past decade

when I found it on YouTube. Unfortunately, Golden Dawn didn't get the big break because the record producers thought that they sounded too similar to the 13th Floor Elevators.

[OAITW r.2.0]

3. And I never heard the 13th floor elevators, either.

I was a JJW, Asleep at the Wheel, Townes van Zandt kinda 70's Texas music aficionado.