Kinky Friedman, the iconic country singer-songwriter known for his biting humor and unapologetic outspokenness, has passed away at the age of 79. The news of his death emerged from his Texas home, with reports confirming he died on Wednesday. Friedman, a stalwart in both the music and literary circles, had developed close ties with fellow musician Willie Nelson over a career that spanned decades. According to the Texas Tribune, Parkinson’s disease was the cause of his passing.
In a heartfelt announcement shared on X, a spokesperson for Friedman stated: “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 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. pic.twitter.com/sIXnoglSby
— Kinky Friedman (@FriedmanKinky) June 27, 2024
Friedman’s journey in music and writing began after he moved to Austin for college and spent time with the Peace Corps in Borneo, eventually settling in Nashville during the early Seventies to focus on songwriting. To combat stage fright, he adopted the moniker “Kinky,” a nod to a college nickname. He first caught the public’s attention with his band, Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys, known for their satirical and occasionally provocative songs that tackled social and political issues with a unique blend of humor and country music. His tracks like “Sold American” and “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” remain memorable for their sharp commentary.
Apart from his music, Friedman was a prolific author, celebrated for his detective novels that featured a fictionalized version of himself unraveling mysteries in New York City. His narratives were infused with wit, a noir-ish touch, and keen observations on American society. His non-fiction works often mirrored his political stances and personal experiences.
Friedman also made waves in the political sphere, notably during his independent run for Governor of Texas in 2006. With a campaign slogan of “Why the hell not?”, he advocated for progressive issues such as same-sex marriage and marijuana legalization, as well as pushing for anti-corruption measures. Though he didn’t win, his campaign highlighted the potential impact of independent candidates in Texas politics.
Mickey Raphael, harmonica player for Willie Nelson and long-time collaborator with Friedman, told Rolling Stone in 2018, “I thought he [Friedman] was brilliant, and very brave. I got the joke, but I wouldn’t have wanted to stand too close to him at that time. I still keep my distance. It was like, ‘That’s funny, but don’t say you know me.’”
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After a hiatus, Friedman returned to songwriting with his 2018 album “Circus of Life,” a collection of folk songs that showed a softer side, lacking his typical flamboyance and revealing vulnerabilities he previously wouldn’t have acknowledged. His brother Roger commented on this shift, “Somewhere I read that having an alter ego is a very good way of shielding yourself from suffering. I thought that was interesting.”
In his later years, Friedman dedicated much of his time to the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch, a sanctuary he founded in 1998. Living at Echo Hill Ranch, where he grew up, surrounded by dogs and hummingbirds, he continued his creative pursuits until his final days. Kinky Friedman remains a beloved cultural icon, celebrated for his courage to broach difficult topics with both humor and sharp insight, marking him as a truly distinctive voice in American culture.