Beloved Musician and Author Kinky Friedman Dies at 79

With deep sorrow, fans across the world are mourning the loss of Richard “Kinky” Friedman, the iconic Texas singer, author, and political figure who passed away at age 79. His death was announced Thursday on the platform X (formerly Twitter), although the exact time of his passing was not disclosed.

“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill, surrounded by family and friends,” the post read.
“Despite facing immense personal loss and pain in recent years, Kinky never lost his sharp humor or indomitable spirit. His songs and books will continue to inspire.”

From Music to Politics

Friedman’s unique journey spanned multiple worlds—from the stage to the page, and even into politics. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he launched his musical career with the parody surf band King Arthur & the Carrots, releasing a single in 1966.

In 1973, he formed his second and better-known band, Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys, a group that blended satire, country music, and social commentary. His self-titled debut album was released in 1974, and soon after, he toured with Bob Dylan, eventually appearing as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live during its second season.

Over the decades, Friedman released a total of 18 albums, including his final one, Circus of Life, in 2018. In 2011, he embarked on a world tour as a headlining act.

A Second Act as a Writer

When his music career slowed in the 1980s, Friedman reinvented himself as a novelist. He gained acclaim for his detective fiction, in which he often inserted a fictionalized version of himself—a witty, joke-cracking, crime-solving musician-turned-sleuth navigating New York City. The stories combined mystery with humor, recipes, and reflections, earning him comparisons to a modern-day Sherlock Holmes.

A Political Outsider

In 2006, Kinky Friedman made headlines once again when he ran for Governor of Texas as an independent candidate. He came in fourth out of six, earning 12% of the vote—a rare feat for a nonpartisan contender in the state.

Though he never held public office, Friedman left a lasting impact through his creative works and unconventional charm. Friends, fans, and fellow Texans remember him as a true original—funny, fearless, and unapologetically himself.

Kinky may be gone, but his legacy will live on—in every lyric sung, every page turned, and every person inspired by his bold, unforgettable life.