Kinky Friedman, famous musician and author, dies at the age of 79

American singer-songwriter, novelist, and satirist Kinky Friedman has died at the age of 79. His death was confirmed on his official social media account, People reported. “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family and friends. Kinkster endured 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,” the post on X read. Friedman’s friend Cleve Hattersley also confirmed his death, stating that the musician (real name Richard Samet Friedman) suffered from Parkinson’s disease. Friedman, born in Chicago, was known for his eccentricity. He was known for his sharp one-liners and humor, and was always seen wearing a cowboy hat and a cigar in hand. He became friends with several U.S. presidents, including George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and considered music superstars such as Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson to be his friends. Actor Donald Sutherland dies at the age of 88.

During his active years, Friedman amassed a considerable repertoire, including albums such as “Sold American” (1973) and “Lasso from El Paso” (1976), and took an unusual approach to country music, earning him a cult following among alt-country music lovers. According to the New York Times, he was a member of the Texas Jewboys, a band that toured extensively in the 1970s, including a performance with Dylan. But the “Resurrection” singer also made a name for himself outside of the music industry. Years ago, Friedman became a prolific author, publishing several crime novels in the 1980s and 1990s. He previously wrote for Rolling Stone and Texas Monthly.

Legendary musician Kinky Friedman has died at the age of 79, social media confirms

Kinky Friedman, eccentric singer-songwriter, novelist, humorist and Texas gubernatorial candidate, dies at 79 https://t.co/nSE5h5ITDq pic.twitter.com/udxbEF7AFW

— CBS Chicago (@cbschicago) June 28, 2024

Amid news of Friedman’s death, Kent Perkins, a close friend of the singer, penned a heartfelt tribute to his life and legacy on Facebook. “My great friend of half a century, Kinky Friedman, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep early this morning,” Perkins began in a post. “He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, music, loyalty, compassion, tolerance, subservience and wisdom.” He also wrote that Friedman was known among friends and family as a “compassionate, philanthropic, soft-spoken man who dedicated much of his life to serving those less fortunate,” adding that the singer and his sister Marcie founded the Echo Hill Ranch Gold Star Camp for young boys and girls. “‘The Kinkster’ left his mark on this planet in an outstanding way,” Perkins continued. “He was friends with presidents, homeless hobos and every type of person in between; all people were equal to him. His heroes included Moses, Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill.” Bill Cobbs dies at 90; the actor was known for his roles in “The Bodyguard,” “Night at the Museum,” and “Dino Dana,” among others.

Perkins said that until this year, Friedman had been performing on stage “as long as he could stand with a guitar around his neck,” and then performed seated. “I learned a lot from Kinky. I have never met a more honest, witty, selfless, generous or sincere person than Richard Samet ‘Kinky’ Friedman. Somewhere in heaven there is surely a quiet corner with a big armchair, a bright floor lamp, a big stack of biographical books and a couple of old dogs wagging their tails at the faint smell of cigar smoke. Rest in peace, my friend,” he concluded, according to People.