Country singer Kinky Friedman dies at the age of 79

Country singer Richard Samet “Dirty” Friedman died at the age of 79.

Kinky was not only a well-known singer, but also a songwriter, novelist and regular columnist for Texas monthly and independent candidate for Texas governor in 2006.

He supported the legalization of cannabis and marijuana, higher salaries for teachers, believed in women’s right to self-determination, and supported same-sex marriage. He opposed the death penalty, believed Texas had a problem with illegal immigration, and, if elected, would have repealed all smoking bans.

Friedman finished fourth in the election, receiving 12.6% of the vote.

His death was announced in a statement on social media.

“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill, surrounded by family and friends,” a statement said. “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.”

Kinky Friedman walked under a rainbow on his beloved Echo Hill, surrounded by family and friends. 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. pic.twitter.com/sIXnoglSby

— Kinky Friedman (@FriedmanKinky) 27 June 2024

Born to Jewish parents in 1944, Friedman gained a reputation as an eccentric member of the country music scene when he began his music career, whose satire might have just won him over to his good friends. Willie Nelson And Bob Dylanand former US presidents Bill Clinton And George W. BushHe was rarely seen without a cigar in his hand.

In 1973, Friedman formed his second band (after the surf-rock-mocking band King Arthur and the Carrots), Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboyswhich was supposedly his play on words with the band name Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys.

The band’s most famous album, Sold Americanwas released in 1973. It contained her famous song, Ride her, cowboya tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, and socially critical melodies such as We reserve the right to refuse service to you.

In the 1980s, Friedman began writing crime novels, and from 2001 to 2005 he was a regular columnist for Texas monthlyThat column was discontinued when the singer and entertainer ran his gubernatorial campaign in 2006, but he returned as a bimonthly columnist in 2008.

In a review of Friedman’s performance at The Basement in 2016, The musicChris Familton of The Kinky Friedman stated, “They certainly don’t make people like Kinky Friedman anymore,” adding, “Age catches up with us all, but Kinky is still Kinky.”

Friedman’s latest album, Circus of life, was published via Echo Hill Records in 2018.