The world is saddened by the loss of Richard “Kinky” Friedman, the beloved country singer who passed away today at the age of 79. In a heartfelt post shared on Thursday, fans received the news and were left heartbroken.
“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill, surrounded by family and friends,” the post stated. “Despite enduring tremendous pain and unthinkable loss in recent years, Kinkster never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit.”
Kinky Friedman had an illustrious career in both music and politics. Notably, in 2006, he ran as an independent candidate for governor of Texas, garnering an impressive 12% of the vote and finishing fourth out of six candidates.
A Journey in Music
Kinky’s love for music started during his time at the University of Texas at Austin, where he formed his first band called King Arthur & the Carrots. Their 1966 release, “Schwinn 24/Beach Party Boo Boo,” humorously parodied surf music, showcasing Kinky’s unique sense of wit.
After parting ways with King Arthur & the Carrots, Richard formed his second band, Ginky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, in 1973. However, this collaboration was short-lived, and Kinky went on to release his self-titled solo album in 1974.
Kinky had the opportunity to tour with music legend Bob Dylan for two years and made a memorable appearance as a musical guest on Season 2 of Saturday Night Live. In 2011, he embarked on a successful world tour as the headline act. Throughout his music career, he released 18 albums, with his latest, “Circus of Life,” coming out in 2018.
Beyond Music
While Richard’s music career peaked in the 1980s, he discovered a new passion in writing. He delved into detective novels, creating fictionalized versions of himself and weaving lyrics from his songs into his stories. These captivating novels transported readers to the bustling streets of New York City, where the character fought crime while offering humor, advice, and charm. In his mind, he became a modern-day Sherlock Holmes.
It is worth noting that Kinky Friedman did not appear as a character in two of his books, namely, “Kill Two Birds and Get Stoned” and “The Christmas Pig.” Additionally, from 2001 to 2005, he had a regular column in Texas Monthly. Although he paused his column during his run for governor in 2006, it later resumed on a bi-monthly basis, showcasing Kinky’s passion for storytelling and humor.
In 1986, Richard ran as a Republican for Justice of the Peace in Kerrville, Texas, although he did not secure the position. However, this attempt at public service occurred before his successful run for governor.
Richard “Kinky” Friedman will forever be remembered for his exceptional talent as a country singer and his gift for storytelling. His music will continue to be cherished, and his books will stand as a testament to his wit and creativity.
