Who was Kinky Friedman? Learn about his legacy as a country singer, author and aspiring politician who dies at age 79

Kinky Friedman, a country singer, songwriter, author and aspiring politician better known as the “Jewish Cowboy,” died on Wednesday, June 26, at the age of 79, his estate announced.

“Kinky Friedman walked under a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill, surrounded by family and friends,” Friedman’s official X-account said 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,” the announcement continued.

The singer reportedly died from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Read on to learn more about the late star’s life and legacy

Friedman was born Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman to Russian-Jewish parents in 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, and called himself a “Jewish cowboy” after his song “My Governor Is A Jewish Cowboy.”

For those unfamiliar, Friedman unsuccessfully attempted to pursue a political career in 2006 when he ran for governor of Texas against Republican Rick Perry. As one of six candidates in the election that year, Friedman finished fourth with 12.6% of the vote.

Friedman was a close friend of Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson and made a name for himself in country music with his 1973 album “Sold American”. The record contained provocative songs such as “High on Jesus” and “Ride ‘Em Jewboy”. The songs addressed the Holocaust and the experience of belonging to a religious minority in predominantly Christian Texas.

Friedman was reportedly a favorite of Nelson Mandela, who reportedly listened to his songs while imprisoned in South Africa for his opposition to apartheid.

Friedman had an equally successful career as a writer

After his music career stalled in the 1980s, Friedman switched from writing song lyrics to writing crime novels. His books are said to cover the same themes as his songs and feature fictionalized versions of himself solving crimes in New York City.

The perverse character in author Friedman’s books sees himself as a modern Sherlock Holmes and is supported in his investigations by his close friend Larry Sloman.

Between April 2001 and March 2005, Friedman also wrote columns for Texas Monthly magazine.

When Friedman’s estate announced his death on X, he published an excerpt from a column he wrote in 1993 after the loss of his pet 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.”

Well, we hope Mr. Friedman and Cuddles are reunited now.