Kinky Friedman, the iconic Texas icon and sharp-witted satirist known for pushing the boundaries of both music and literature, died at the age of 79. A statement on his social media networks eloquently reflected his spirit: “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family and friends.” Kinkster has faced enormous agony and unimaginable loss in recent years, yet he has never lost his fighting spirit or quick wit. Kinky will live on through his books and melodies.”
Kinky, born Richard Samet Friedman in Chicago in 1944 and raised in Texas, established himself as a unique figure in the cultural scene with his irreverent, boundary-breaking style. He originally rose to notoriety in country and Western music, with the release of his debut album, Sold American, in 1973. His music was bold and controversial, frequently combining humor with scathing social commentary.
He founded the band 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 unusual in country music at the time.
Friedman published multiple records throughout his long career, built a devoted audience, and gained the unofficial title of “governor of the heart of Texas.” His influence grew beyond music when he traveled with Bob Dylan as part 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 a largely restricted genre.
Kinky’s brilliance was not restricted to the stage. He was a prolific writer best known for his detective books, which featured a fictionalized version of himself as a private investigator. His satirical writings for Texas Monthly solidified his reputation as a spokesman for the Lone Star State. Friedman, who is not afraid to try new things, entered politics in 2006 by running for Governor of Texas. With his campaign slogan, “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy,” he drew national attention, winning 12.6 percent of the vote in a crowded field and cementing his reputation as an offbeat candidate with a distinct approach.
Friedman’s roots were deeply ingrained in Texas. After studying psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, he became interested in music and performance, forming his first band, King Arthur & the Carrots, before establishing the Texas Jewboys. He frequently defined his music as a vehicle for expressing social consciousness and irreverent humor, employing satire to investigate questions of identity, justice, and culture.
Friedman once speculated about 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 leaves a legacy as a distinct, outspoken voice that instilled humor, honesty, and a Texas-sized personality in everyone he encountered. His work will continue to reverberate as his songs are sung and his books are read, ensuring that his legacy in music, literature, and Texas culture continues on.
