Kinky Friedman, born Richard Samet Friedman on November 1, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American singer, songwriter, novelist, politician, and animal rights activist. He passed away on June 27, 2023, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy that spans over five decades.
Early Life and Education: Kinky Friedman was born to Jewish parents, Dr. S. Thomas Friedman and his wife, Minnie. The family moved to a ranch in central Texas during Kinky's childhood. He attended Austin High School and later enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin in 1962, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. During his time at the university, Friedman was a member of the Tau Delta Phi fraternity.
Musical Career: In 1971, Friedman formed his band, Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys. The group was known for their satirical and politically incorrect lyrics, which often addressed controversial topics such as racism and political corruption. Their songs included "They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore" and "Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed."
Friedman and his band toured extensively throughout the 1970s, performing with notable artists such as Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. They released several albums, including "Sold American" (1973) and "Kinky Friedman" (1974). Despite the band's popularity, they never achieved mainstream commercial success and eventually disbanded in the late 1970s.
Literary Career: After the dissolution of The Texas Jewboys, Friedman focused on his writing career. He authored numerous mystery novels, many of which featured a fictionalized version of himself as the protagonist. His first novel, "Greenwich Killing Time," was published in 1986, followed by "A Case of Lone Star" (1987) and "When the Cat's Away" (1988). Friedman's novels often incorporated humor, social commentary, and his experiences as a musician.
In addition to his mystery novels, Friedman wrote several non-fiction books, including "Kinky Friedman's Guide to Texas Etiquette: Or How to Get to Heaven or Hell Without Going Through Dallas-Fort Worth" (2001) and "Heroes of a Texas Childhood" (2009).
Political Career: Friedman entered the political arena in 2004 when he ran for the office of Justice of the Peace in Kerrville, Texas. Although he lost the election, he garnered attention for his unconventional campaign style and humor.
In 2006, Friedman announced his candidacy for the Governor of Texas as an independent. His campaign slogan was "Why the Hell Not?" and he focused on issues such as education reform, renewable energy, and the legalization of marijuana. Friedman finished fourth in the six-person race with 12.6% of the vote.
Animal Rights Activism: Throughout his life, Friedman was a passionate advocate for animal rights. He founded the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch in Medina, Texas, which provides a sanctuary for stray, abused, and aging animals. Friedman also served on the board of directors for the Humane Society of the United States and was a vocal critic of animal cruelty.
Personal Life and Legacy: Kinky Friedman never married and had no children. He was known for his cigars, black attire, and irreverent humor. Friedman's unique blend of music, literature, and politics made him a cultural icon in Texas and beyond.
Friedman's impact on popular culture is evident through the numerous references to him in films, television shows, and songs. His animal rights activism continues to inspire others to fight for the well-being of animals.
Kinky Friedman's life was a testament to his creativity, wit, and commitment to social and political causes. His contributions to music, literature, and animal welfare will be remembered as an important part of his legacy.