AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Singer, songwriter, satirist and novelist Kinky Friedman, who led the alt-country band Texas Jewboys, toured with Bob Dylan, sang with Willie Nelson, and dabbled in politics with campaigns for Texas governor and other statewide offices, has passed away.
Friedman, 79, passed away Thursday at his family’s Texas ranch near San Antonio, according to close friend Kent Perkins. Friedman had been battling Parkinson’s disease for several years, Perkins said.
“He passed away peacefully. He enjoyed a cigar, went to bed, and never woke up,” said Perkins, who had met Friedman at a party 50 years ago when they were both signed to Columbia records and movie contracts.
“We were the only two people wearing tuxedos and cowboy hats. Two Texans drawn to each other.” Perkins said. “He was the last free spirit on earth … He had a rebellious spirit. He was a fearless writer.”
Often known as “The Kinkster” and recognizable by his sideburns, thick mustache, and cowboy hat, Friedman amassed a dedicated following and a reputation as a provocateur throughout his multi-faceted career in music and literature.
In the 1970s, his satirical country band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys produced songs with provocative titles like “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed.” Friedman even joined Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue tour in 1976.
By the 1980s, Friedman transitioned to writing crime novels, often featuring a character based on himself, and contributed a column to Texas Monthly magazine in the 2000s.
Friedman’s foray into politics injected his irreverent style into the realm of public policy. In 2006, he ran for governor as an independent in a competitive race that included incumbent Republican Rick Perry. Friedman kicked off his campaign against the backdrop of the Alamo.
“We’re like gypsies on a pirate ship, sailing towards the Governor’s Mansion,” Friedman declared. “I demand the unconditional surrender of Rick Perry.”
While some viewed his campaign as another one of Friedman’s jokes, he maintained its seriousness. His platform advocated for the legalization of medical marijuana, increased funding for public education through casino revenues, and championed same-sex marriage. Campaign slogans included “How Hard Could It Be?” and “He ain’t Kinky, he’s my Governor.”
“I use humor to challenge the status quo in politics,” Friedman explained.
Perry won re-election in 2006, with Friedman finishing last in the race. Despite this setback, Friedman persisted in politics and made unsuccessful attempts to become state agriculture commissioner as a Democrat in 2010 and 2014.
Born in Chicago, Richard Samet Friedman grew up in Texas. The family’s Echo Hill ranch, where Friedman passed away, operated a camp for children of military service members who lost their lives.
Funeral arrangements are currently being arranged, according to Perkins.
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