“You've got to find what you love and let it kill you.” Kinky Friedman

Kinky Friedman passed away on June 27th, from Parkinson’s disease. He died at his Echo Hill Ranch in Bandera County, Texas. He was 79 years old.

I met Kinky Friedman in the mid 1990s at one of his book signings for “Armadillos and Old Lace.” My friend Tina and I sneaked away from our respective jobs and went downtown to meet the “Kinkster.” I don’t remember what he said to keep us all laughing, but he was amazing. And so was his book.

Armadillos and Old Lace was about a Texas sleuth who has a pet armadillo. It was one of 20 books he wrote between 1986 and 2006. As a mystery writer and crime novelist he infused his quirky sense of humor on every page.

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Kinky Friedman

Kinky Friedman was a multifaceted talent. He was a singer, songwriter, satirist, and novelist.

Known for leading the alt-country band Texas Jewboys, touring with Bob Dylan, singing with Willie Nelson, and making memorable forays into politics, Friedman left an indelible mark on American culture. He was a beloved hero in Texas.

His passing was confirmed by close friend Kent Perkins, who shared that Friedman died peacefully at his family's Texas ranch near San Antonio.

Perkins, who met Friedman 50 years ago when both were signed to Columbia Records, reminisced about their friendship and Friedman's fearless spirit.

 “We were the only two people with tuxedos and cowboy hats. Two Texans gravitating toward each other," Perkins recalled.

Friedman was easily recognizable with his sideburns, thick mustache, and cowboy hat. He gained a cult following and a reputation as a provocateur, seamlessly blending music, satire, and literature throughout his career.

Music Career

In the 1970s, Friedman’s band, Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, became known for their satirical and often controversial songs. 

Tracks like “They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed” highlighted his sharp wit and unflinching approach to social commentary. Friedman also joined Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue tour in 1976, further cementing his place in the music world.

Transitioning from music to literature in the 1980s, Friedman authored a series of crime novels, frequently featuring a fictionalized version of himself. His literary talents extended to journalism as well, with a column for Texas Monthly magazine in the 2000s.

Friedman’s irreverence and humor were not confined to entertainment; they also permeated his political endeavors. 

Kinky for Governor

In 2006, he ran for Texas governor as an independent, presenting a colorful and unconventional campaign. Launching his bid at the Alamo, Friedman declared, “We’re gypsies on a pirate ship, and we’re setting sail for the Governor’s Mansion.” 

Kinky ran for governor under the slogan: Kinky for Governor – Why the Hell Not? 

He was never politically correct. His campaign pushed for the "dewuzzification of Texas." 

His campaign platform included legalizing medical marijuana, increasing public education funding through casino gambling, and supporting same-sex marriage.

Despite slogans like “How Hard Could It Be?" and “He ain't Kinky, he's my Governor,” Friedman finished last in the race, which saw Republican Incumbent Rick Perry re-elected.

No matter what he did he always carried his trademark humor. "Humor is what I use to attack the windmills of politics as usual,” Friedman explained.

Born Richard Samet Friedman in Chicago, he was raised in Texas, where his family operated Echo Hill Ranch, a camp for children of parents killed in military service. This compassionate aspect of his life reflected a broader commitment to social causes, even as he maintained his provocative public persona.

Funeral services are pending, according to Perkins. The loss of Kinky marks the end of an era. According to Perkins, “He was the last free person on earth ... He had an irreverence about him. He was a fearless writer.”