Country singer and novelist Kinky Friedman passes away at 79
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The world of country music and literature has lost one of its most distinctive voices.
Kinky Friedman, the man who brought satire and provocation to the stage and page, has passed away at the age of 79.
His death was announced with a heartfelt message on his social media, which read, 'Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family and friends.'
‘Kinkster endured tremendous pain and 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.’
Born Richard Samet Friedman in Chicago, he grew up in Texas, soaking up the rich musical traditions that would later inform his work.
He studied psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, but music captured his heart. He formed the band King Arthur and the Carrots before creating Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, a ‘country band with a social conscience, a demented love child of Lenny Bruce and Bob Wills’, as he would describe.
Friedman's music career was marked by milestones and controversies alike. His 1973 album Sold American laid the foundation for a career, making him the 'first full-blooded Jew' to play at the Grand Ole Opry.
He toured with none other than Bob Dylan on his Rolling Thunder Revue. His songs, such as 'They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore' and 'Ride 'Em Jewboy', were bold statements that often stirred debate and discussion.
Beyond music, Friedman was a prolific author, penning detective novels and serving as a columnist for Texas Monthly.
His literary works, including Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola: A Novel and Kinky Friedman's Guide to Texas Etiquette: Or How to Get to Heaven or Hell Without Going Through Dallas-Fort Worth, showcased his sharp wit and unique perspective on life.
Friedman's foray into politics was as unconventional as his career in entertainment.
Running for Governor of Texas in 2006 with slogans like 'My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy', he captured the imagination of many, ultimately securing 12.6 per cent of the vote in a crowded field of six candidates.
His legacy extends beyond his public life. Alongside his sister Marcie, he was involved in running the Echo Hill Gold Star Camp for children, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.
Kent Perkins, a longtime friend of Friedman, paid tribute to him with a poignant image: '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.'
You can watch one of Kinky Friedman’s iconic performances below:
Credit: Live From Austin TX / YouTube
As we remember Kinky Friedman, we celebrate a life that was anything but ordinary. His songs and stories will continue to inspire and entertain, ensuring his legacy endures.
May he rest in peace.
Kinky Friedman, the man who brought satire and provocation to the stage and page, has passed away at the age of 79.
His death was announced with a heartfelt message on his social media, which read, 'Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family and friends.'
‘Kinkster endured tremendous pain and 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.’
Country singer-songwriter and novelist Kinky Friedman has died at 79. Credit: @earlkabong / Twitter
Born Richard Samet Friedman in Chicago, he grew up in Texas, soaking up the rich musical traditions that would later inform his work.
He studied psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, but music captured his heart. He formed the band King Arthur and the Carrots before creating Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, a ‘country band with a social conscience, a demented love child of Lenny Bruce and Bob Wills’, as he would describe.
Friedman's music career was marked by milestones and controversies alike. His 1973 album Sold American laid the foundation for a career, making him the 'first full-blooded Jew' to play at the Grand Ole Opry.
He toured with none other than Bob Dylan on his Rolling Thunder Revue. His songs, such as 'They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore' and 'Ride 'Em Jewboy', were bold statements that often stirred debate and discussion.
Beyond music, Friedman was a prolific author, penning detective novels and serving as a columnist for Texas Monthly.
His literary works, including Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola: A Novel and Kinky Friedman's Guide to Texas Etiquette: Or How to Get to Heaven or Hell Without Going Through Dallas-Fort Worth, showcased his sharp wit and unique perspective on life.
Friedman's foray into politics was as unconventional as his career in entertainment.
Running for Governor of Texas in 2006 with slogans like 'My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy', he captured the imagination of many, ultimately securing 12.6 per cent of the vote in a crowded field of six candidates.
His legacy extends beyond his public life. Alongside his sister Marcie, he was involved in running the Echo Hill Gold Star Camp for children, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.
Kent Perkins, a longtime friend of Friedman, paid tribute to him with a poignant image: '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.'
You can watch one of Kinky Friedman’s iconic performances below:
Credit: Live From Austin TX / YouTube
May he rest in peace.
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