Kinky Friedman, who lived a colorful life as a country singer, satirist, and one-time Texas gubernatorial candidate, has died at the age of 79.
“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends,” reads a social media statement announcing his death. “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.”
Friedman became a cult figure in the country scene after forming his band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys in 1973, counting Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan as among his closest friends. He went on tour with the latter artist from 1975-1976.
Outside of music, he was a columnist for Texas Monthly and ran for Governor of Texas as an independent candidate in 2006.
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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. pic.twitter.com/sIXnoglSby
— Kinky Friedman (@FriedmanKinky) June 27, 2024
