Kinky Friedman, the satirical musician, author, and one-time politician known for his unique approach to country music and provocative novels, has passed away at the age of 79.
Bollywood Fever: Kinky Friedman, the satirical and often provocative musician, author, and one-time politician, has died at the age of 79.
“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends,” read a post on his social media. “Kinkster endured tremendous pain & unthinkable loss in recent years but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit. Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.”
A Unique Career in Music and Literature
Throughout his career, Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman developed a cult following for his quirky approach to country and Western music. The self-proclaimed “governor of the heart of Texas” released numerous albums, beginning with 1973’s “Sold American,” often considered his foundational record. He toured with Bob Dylan on his “Rolling Thunder Revue” and became the “first full-blooded Jew” to appear at the Grand Ole Opry.
Outside of music, Friedman was a prolific writer, penning detective novels and serving as a columnist for Texas Monthly. He ventured into politics, running for Governor of Texas in 2006 with campaign slogans like “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy.” In the end, he garnered 12.6 percent of the vote among six candidates.
Early Life and Career
Born in Chicago, Friedman grew up in Texas and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied psychology. His interest in music led him to form King Arthur & the Carrots, followed by Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, a “country band with a social conscience,” which he described as a “demented love child of Lenny Bruce and Bob Wills.” The group stirred controversy with songs like “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Ride ‘Em Jewboy.”
Transition to Writing
As his music career waned in the 1980s, Friedman transitioned to writing. He published notable works such as 1994’s “Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola: A Novel” and 2004’s “Kinky Friedman’s Guide to Texas Etiquette: Or How to Get to Heaven or Hell Without Going Through Dallas-Fort Worth.”
Community and Legacy
With his sister Marcie, Friedman helped run the Echo Hill Gold Star Camp for children. Kent Perkins, a longtime friend, remembered Friedman fondly in a social media post: “Somewhere in heaven, I’m sure there’s a quiet corner with a big easy chair, a bright floor lamp, a big stack of biographical books, and a few old dogs wagging their tails to the faint smell of cigar smoke.”
Kinky Friedman will be remembered for his sharp wit, unique artistic contributions, and the lasting impact he had on both the music and literary worlds. His legacy lives on through his work and the many lives he touched with his distinctive voice and perspective.
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