AUSTIN, Texas — Singer, songwriter, satirist, and novelist Kinky Friedman has passed away at the age of 79.
Friedman, best known for leading the alt-country band Texas Jewboys, touring with Bob Dylan, and collaborating with Willie Nelson, died at his family’s ranch near San Antonio after battling Parkinson’s disease for several years, according to close friend Kent Perkins.
Perkins, who described Friedman as the “last free person on earth,” recalled their meeting 50 years ago when both were signed to Columbia records and movie contracts. “He was a fearless writer with an irreverence about him,” Perkins said.
Often referred to as “The Kinkster,” Friedman was a provocative figure in both music and literature. His satirical country band, Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, gained a cult following in the 1970s with songs like “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed.”
In addition to his music career, Friedman delved into writing crime novels in the 1980s and later became a columnist for Texas Monthly magazine in the 2000s.
However, Friedman’s most memorable foray into politics was his independent run for governor of Texas in 2006, where he campaigned on platforms such as legalizing medical marijuana and supporting same-sex marriage. Despite his humorous approach to politics, Friedman’s campaigns were met with varying degrees of success.
Born in Chicago, Friedman grew up in Texas and was known for his philanthropic work, including running a camp for children of military service members. Funeral arrangements for Friedman are currently pending, Perkins confirmed.
