Kinky Friedman, country singer known as ‘Jewish cowboy,’ dies at 79 | Country

Kinky Friedman, the American country singer, songwriter, author and aspiring politician known as the “Jewish cowboy,” died on Wednesday at the age of 79, his estate announced.

“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family and friends,” Friedman’s official account posted on X on Thursday. “Kinkster suffered tremendous pain and unimaginable loss over the past few 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.”

Friedman reportedly died from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Russian-Jewish parents in 1944 and raised in Texas – a key pillar of his public image. Friedman referred to himself as a “Jewish cowboy” after his song “My Governor Is a Jewish Cowboy,” a reference to his unsuccessful attempt at a political career in 2006, when he ran for governor of Texas against Republican incumbent Rick Perry.

As one of six candidates in this election, Friedman received nearly 13% of the vote.

Friedman was a close friend of Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson and made a name for himself in the country music scene. His 1973 album “Sold American” contained provocative songs such as “High on Jesus” and “Ride ‘Em Jewboy,” which dealt with the Holocaust and life as a religious minority in heavily Christian Texas.

Friedman, who wrote some of his music while serving in the Peace Corps in Borneo, was a favorite of Nelson Mandela, who reportedly listened to Friedman’s songs while imprisoned in South Africa for opposing apartheid.

Friedman was also the author of several crime novels and a contributor to Texas Monthly magazine.

When Friedman’s estate announced his death on X, he also posted an excerpt from a column he wrote in 1993 after the death of his cat, which read: “They say when you die and go to heaven, all the dogs and cats you’ve ever had come running to meet you. Until then, rest in peace, Cuddles.”