Richard “Kinky” Friedman, 79, was a musician.
Via X revealed this on Thursday.
“Kinky Friedman made a rainbow entrance to his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family and friends,” it read.
“The Kinkster has endured tremendous pain and unimaginable loss in recent years, but has never lost his fighting spirit and sharp wit.”
“Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung,” the statement added.
He was a writer and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.
It was unclear exactly when he died.
In addition, Kinky was an independent candidate in the 2006 Texas Governor’s race.
Out of six candidates, he placed fourth with 12% of the vote.
MUSIC RESUME
Kinky formed his first band, Kings Arthur & the Carrots when he was a student at UT.
Party at Schawinn 24/Beach In 1966 they only recorded one song, Boo Boo.
One band that parodied surf music was King Arthur & The Carrots.
Richard formed his second band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys seven years later in 1973.
Kinky’s debut album, simply titled Kinky, was released in 1974.
Kimky spent the next two years touring with Bob Dylan.
He performed as the musical guest on the second season of Saturday Night Live to close the tour.
In 2011, the musician embarked on a worldwide headlining tour.
Kinky has released eighteen albums, the most recent of which, Circus of Life, was released in 2018.
OTHER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
After his music career ended in the 1980s, Richard turned to writing.
His primary genre was detective fiction, often featuring fictional characters and allusions to his musical compositions.
The friendly character tells jokes, offers advice, provides recipes, and fights crime in New York.
Compared to a modern-day Sherlock Holmes.
Although Kinky Friedman wrote the books To Kill Two Birds, Get Stoned, and The Christmas Pig, she did not write the Kinky Friedman personality.
In addition, he contributed a regular column to Texas Monthly from 2001 to 2005.
Had he run for governor in 2006, he would not have published the work.
Two years later, the magazine started publishing its bimonthly again.
In 1986, following his campaign for governor, Richard lost the Republican primary for magistrate in Kerrville, Texas.
Richard “Kinky” Friedman, a multifaceted musician, writer,, and political figure, leaves behind a legacy marked by creativity and resilience. Known for his unique blend of country music and humor, Friedman captivated audiences not only with his songs but also with his engaging personality.
His influence extended beyond music as he ventured into detective fiction, creating stories that entertained him while showcasing his sharp wit.
Friedman’s career milestones, including his early bands and collaborations with Bob Dylan, highlight his influential presence in the music industry.
Even after transitioning from music in the 1980s, his creativity flourished through literature, where he continued to explore themes of charm and humor in the context of crime-solving. His writing resonated with fans who appreciated the mix of fiction and autobiographical elements.
His attempt to enter politics in 2006 further illustrates his adventurous spirit. Although he did not secure the governor’s seat, his campaign highlighted his unique personality and views and cemented his status as a cultural icon in Texas and beyond.
When fans and friends remember Kinky Friedman, they celebrate a life well lived, marked by laughter, creativity, and an indomitable spirit. His songs and books will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.