Kinky Friedman, a famous country singer and writer, was found dead this morning at his home in Texas. He was 79 years old. Kinky was well-known for his satirical and often provocative style.
A post on his social media announced his passing, saying, “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends. 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.”
Kinky, whose full name was Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman, had a unique take on country and Western music that earned him a dedicated following. He started his music career with the album “Sold American” in 1973.
This album set the stage for his future success. Kinky was often called the “governor of the heart of Texas.” He even toured with Bob Dylan during the “Rolling Thunder Revue” and made history as the “first full-blooded Jew” to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
In addition to his music, Kinky was a prolific writer. He wrote detective novels and was a columnist for Texas Monthly. He also tried his hand at politics, running for Governor of Texas in 2006 with the campaign slogan “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy.” He secured 12.6 percent of the votes in an election with six candidates.
Kinky was born in Chicago but raised in Texas. He studied psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. His love for music led him to form bands like King Arthur & the Carrots and later Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. He described the Texas Jewboys as a “country band with a social conscience, a demented love child of Lenny Bruce and Bob Wills.”
Reflecting on his life, Kinky once wrote, “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.” This quote shows his unique sense of humor and love for life.
Kinky Friedman will be remembered for his music, his books, and his spirited personality. His fans and loved ones will keep his memory alive through his work and the impact he made on their lives.
