⁠Who was Kinky Friedman? Texas country musician and satirist passes away at 79

Popular singer and songwriter Kinky Friedman died on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the age of 79. Representatives confirmed his death on his official X account.

“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends. Kinkster endured tremendous pain & unthinkable loss in recent 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 read.

Friedman passed away due to the complications of Parkinson’s disease. Apart from confirming his death, the satirist's team also posted an excerpt from his column in 1993, which he wrote after the death of his cat.

“They say when you die and go to heaven all the dogs and cats you’ve ever had in your life come running to meet you. Until that day, rest in peace, Cuddles."

Born in 1944, Kinky Friedman was an American singer, songwriter, novelist, and humorist. When not performing, he wrote columns for Texas Monthly. The dynamic artist also entered politics as one of the two independent candidates in the 2006 Texas gubernatorial election.

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Kinky Friedman was born as Richard Samet Friedman to Jewish parents

Kinky Friedman, whose real name was Richard Samet Friedman, was born in Chicago to Jewish parents, Dr. S. Thomas Friedman and Minnie Friedman. Growing up, Kinky had diverse interests, including pop music and chess.

Following his graduation from Austin High School in Texas, he completed his degree of Bachelors in Arts from the University of Texas. Kinky then formed his first band, King Arthur & the Carrots, and recorded their first single, Schwinn 24/Beach Party Boo Boo, in 1966.

Friedman rose to fame in 1974 when he formally released Kinky Friedman under ABC Records, which became a massive hit amongst the masses.

He then went on tour with Bob Dylan and Van Dyke Parks, performing for his fans in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Australia. Throughout his career, Kinky has worked on several albums, such as Sold American, Lasso from El Passo, Mayhem Aforethought, The Last of the Jewish Cowboys: The Best of, The Loneliest Man I Ever Met, Resurrected, and Circle of Life.

As the singer died at his family’s Texas ranch, his close friend, Kent Perkins, spoke to The Associated Press and stated:

“He died peacefully. He smoked a cigar, went to bed and never woke up. We were the only two people with tuxedos and cowboy hats. Two Texans gravitating toward each other,” Perkins said. “He was the last free person on earth ... He had an irreverence about him. He was a fearless writer.”

Following the news of Friedman's death, tributes and posts about him began to pour in on social media. Many netizens and fans recalled his iconic singles, including Sold American, Autograph, Popeye the Sailor Man, and even Catfish. At the time of writing, the singer's family has not yet revealed more information about his funeral and memorial services.