Kinky Friedman, the provocative and flamboyant Texas satirist, humorist, and singer, has passed away at the age of 7912. Let’s take a moment to remember this remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on Texas culture and beyond.
Kinky Friedman’s Legacy
Born in Chicago, Richard “Kinky” Friedman moved to Texas with his family during his youth, growing up in a ranching community near Kerrville. His curly hair earned him the nickname “Kinky” during his college years at the University of Texas at Austin, where he majored in psychology. It was during this time that he immersed himself in the burgeoning folk music scene.
Friedman formed his band, Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys, in the early 1970s. The band was known for its satirical and often controversial approach to humor, blending biting satire, social commentary, and taboo subjects with salty language. Songs like “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Asshole from El Paso” made him a cult figure in the music world3.
Transition to Writing
In the 1980s, Friedman transitioned into writing, becoming a successful crime author. His detective series, the Kinky Friedman Mysteries, featured a fictionalized version of himself, combining crime-solving with his trademark humor. Books like “Greenwich Killing Time” and “When the Cat’s Away” earned him acclaim, and the series extended to 18 books in total.
Friedman was also a regular columnist for Texas Monthly and authored several nonfiction books, including “Texas Hold ‘Em: How I Was Born In A Manger, Died In The Saddle, And Came Back As A Horny Toad” and “You Can Lead A Politician To Water, But You Can’t Make Him Think: Ten Commandments For Texas Politics”3.
Political Run and Advocacy
In 2006, Friedman ran for governor of Texas as an independent candidate. His campaign slogans included the memorable phrase, “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy.” Although he finished fourth in the race, his run injected a sense of fun into the otherwise grueling campaign cycle. He also made unsuccessful bids for the Democratic nomination for agriculture commissioner in 2010 and 20144.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Friedman was the founder of Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch, a non-profit organization that provided sanctuary for stray, abused, and aging animals.
Tributes and Quotes
Friedman’s larger-than-life persona, pithy one-liners, and signature look (curly hair peeking out from beneath a black cowboy hat, cigar in hand) made him a true Texan icon. He was described as a provocateur who aimed to provoke thought and make people think4. In the words of Friedman himself: “I think the first step for me is to be miserable. You’ve got to be miserable. If you’re vastly successful, you’re just not going to write a great song. You’ve got to be bitter or resentful. I fight happiness at every turn” (Interview with American Songwriter, 2019).
Kinky Friedman’s legacy will continue to resonate, reminding us of the power of humor, satire, and unapologetic individuality. May he rest easy after a life lived to the fullest. ????
