Kinky Friedman, the multifaceted American singer-songwriter, novelist, and satirist, has passed away at the age of 79. His death was confirmed via his official social media handle, as reported by People. “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends. Kinkster endured tremendous pain & unthinkable loss in recent years but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit. Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung,” read the poignant post on X.
Cleve Hattersley, a close friend, also confirmed Friedman’s passing, revealing that the musician, whose real name was Richard Samet Friedman, had been battling Parkinson’s disease. Born in Chicago, Friedman was renowned for his eccentric personality, sharp humor, and distinctive style, always seen with a cowboy hat and cigar. He counted among his friends several U.S. presidents, including George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and music legends like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson.
Friedman’s musical career was marked by a unique approach to country music, earning him a cult following among alt-country enthusiasts. His discography includes notable albums such as 1973’s “Sold American” and 1976’s “Lasso from El Paso”. He was a member of the Texas Jewboys, a band that gained recognition in the 1970s and even performed with Bob Dylan. Despite his musical achievements, Friedman was also a prolific writer, penning numerous detective novels in the 1980s and 1990s, and contributing to publications like Rolling Stone and Texas Monthly.
In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, Kent Perkins, a close friend of Friedman, celebrated his life and legacy. “My great friend for half a century, Kinky Friedman, slipped away peacefully at home in his sleep early this morning,” Perkins wrote. “He leaves a legacy of laughter, music, loyalty, mercy, tolerance, servitude, and wisdom.” Perkins remembered Friedman as a compassionate, philanthropic individual who dedicated much of his life to helping the less fortunate. Alongside his sister Marcie, Friedman founded the Echo Hill Ranch Gold Star Camp for young boys and girls.
“‘The Kinkster’ left his mark on this planet in an excellent way,” Perkins continued. “He was friends with Presidents, homeless vagrants, and every type of human being in between; all people were of equal value to him. His heroes included Moses, Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Winston Churchill.” Perkins noted that Friedman performed onstage “as long as he could stand up with a guitar strapped around his neck” until this year, and then continued performing seated.
Perkins concluded his tribute with a touching reflection: “I learned a lot from Kinky. I never met a more honest, witty, selfless, generous, or sincere person than Richard Samet ‘Kinky’ Friedman. Somewhere in heaven, I’m sure there’s a quiet corner with a big easy chair, a bright floor lamp, a big stack of biographical books, and a few old dogs wagging their tails to the faint smell of cigar smoke. Rest in peace, my friend,” he concluded, reported People.
Friedman’s legacy of humor, music, and philanthropy will continue to inspire and entertain future generations, ensuring that his unique spirit lives on.
