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 on 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 stated.
“He passed away peacefully. He enjoyed a cigar, went to bed, and never woke up,” said Perkins, who first met Friedman at a party 50 years ago when both were 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 boldness about him. He was a fearless creator.”
Known as “The Kinkster” and recognized for his sideburns, thick mustache, and cowboy hat, Friedman built a dedicated following and established a reputation as a provocateur across various musical and literary platforms.
In the 1970s, his satirical country band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys penned 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 also joined Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue tour in 1976.
During the 1980s, Friedman turned to writing crime novels that often featured a version of himself, and he contributed a column to Texas Monthly magazine in the 2000s.
Friedman’s foray into politics injected his unique irreverence into the serious realm of public policy. In 2006, he launched an independent campaign for governor in a five-way race that included incumbent Republican Rick Perry, with the campaign kickoff taking place at the Alamo.
“We’re nomads on a pirate ship, sailing towards the Governor’s Mansion,” Friedman declared at the launch. “I’m demanding the unconditional surrender of Rick Perry.”
While some viewed the campaign as another Friedman jest, he insisted it was genuine. His platform advocated for the legalization of medical marijuana, increasing public education funding through casino gambling, and backing same-sex marriage. Campaign slogans included “How Hard Could It Be?” and “He ain’t Kinky, he’s my Governor.”
“I utilize humor to challenge the status quo of politics,” Friedman stated.
Perry secured re-election in 2006, with Friedman finishing last. Despite this setback, he continued his political pursuits and made unsuccessful bids for state agriculture commissioner as a Democrat in both 2010 and 2014.
Born in Chicago, Richard Samet Friedman grew up in Texas. The family’s Echo Hill ranch, where Friedman passed away, hosted a camp for children of fallen military parents.
Details regarding funeral services are pending, as stated by Perkins.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
