Kinky Friedman, the iconic Texas icon and sharp-witted satire who pushed the boundaries of music and literature, died at the age of 79. A post on his social media accounts aptly encapsulated his spirit: “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill, surrounded by family and friends.” Kinkster suffered immense agony and unimaginable loss in recent years, yet he never lost his fighting spirit or quick wit. Kinky’s legacy will endure as his books and songs are read and sung.
Kinky, born Richard Samet Friedman in Chicago in 1944 and raised in Texas, established himself as a cultural icon with his irreverent, boundary-breaking style. He originally gained popularity in country and Western music, releasing his debut album, Sold American, in 1973. His music was bold and sometimes confrontational, combining humor with sharp social commentary.
He established the ensemble Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, which he described as “a country band with a social conscience, a demented love child of Lenny Bruce and Bob Wills.” Songs like “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” confronted bigotry and preconceptions with a bravery that was uncommon in country music at the time.
Throughout his long career, Friedman recorded multiple albums, established a devoted audience, and gained the unofficial title of “governor of the heart of Texas.” His influence expanded beyond music when he performed with Bob Dylan as a member of the famed Rolling Thunder Revue. During this time, he also made history as the “first full-blooded Jew” to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, breaking into what was once an exclusive genre.
Kinky’s abilities were not restricted to the stage. He was a prolific writer, best known for his mystery books featuring a fictitious version of himself as a private investigator. His satirical essays for Texas Monthly helped establish his reputation as a spokesman for the Lone Star State. Friedman, who is not afraid to take on new challenges, entered politics in 2006, running for Governor of Texas. With his campaign slogan, “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy,” he drew national attention, winning 12.6% of the vote in a crowded field and cementing his reputation as an eccentric candidate with a distinct approach.
Friedman’s roots were firmly established in Texas. After studying psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, he was drawn to music and performance, forming his first band, King Arthur & the Carrots, before founding the Texas Jewboys. He frequently defined his music as a vehicle for expressing social consciousness and irreverent humor, employing satire to address issues of identity, justice, and culture.
Friedman once thought on the afterlife in a way that only he could: “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 left a legacy as a distinct, outspoken voice that instilled comedy, honesty, and a Texas-sized personality in everything he touched. His work will continue to resound as his songs are sung and his books are read, guaranteeing that his influence on music, literature, and Texas culture endures.