Kinky Friedman, born Richard Samet Friedman, was a multifaceted American icon whose career spanned music, literature, and politics. Known for his satirical wit and unorthodox style, Friedman left an indelible mark on every field he touched. From forming his band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys to writing mystery novels and running for governor of Texas, his life was a testament to individuality and creativity. Despite his recent passing at the age of 79, his legacy continues to resonate with fans and admirers who appreciated his humor, compassion, and fearless expression.
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About Kinky Friedman
Kinky Friedman (Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman), born Richard Samet Friedman on October 31, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American singer-songwriter, novelist, humorist, and politician known for his satirical and often controversial works. He died on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at his ranch near Austin, Texas. He was 79. The writer Larry Sloman, a close friend, said the cause was complications of Parkinson’s disease. Friedman’s death was confirmed in a post on his X account. He leaves behind a legacy marked by his unique blend of music, literature, and social activism.
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Early Life and Background
Friedman was born to Jewish parents, Dr. S. Thomas Friedman and Minnie (Samet) Friedman, both of whom were children of Russian Jewish immigrants. When Kinky was young, his family moved to the Texas Hill Country, where they opened Echo Hill Ranch, a summer camp that would later become a significant part of Friedman’s life. This move to Texas played a crucial role in shaping his identity and creative output.
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Family and Personal Life
Kinky Friedman never married and did not have children. He often described his lifestyle as that of a “Texas Jewboy” bachelor, a term he coined through his music. His family includes his brother, Roger Friedman, who has supported him throughout his career. Friedman lived at Echo Hill Ranch near Kerrville, Texas, where he founded the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch, dedicated to caring for stray, abused, and aging animals. The rescue ranch has saved more than 1,000 dogs from euthanasia, reflecting Friedman’s deep compassion for animals.
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Physical Stature
Kinky Friedman stood at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). Known for his rugged appearance, he was often seen in cowboy attire, complete with a hat, boots, and a cigar. His distinctive style became an integral part of his public persona, symbolizing his rebellious and unconventional spirit.
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Career Highlights
Early Musical Ventures
Friedman formed his first band, King Arthur & the Carrots, while a student at the University of Texas at Austin. The band, which poked fun at surf music, recorded only one single in 1966, “Schwinn 24/Beach Party Boo Boo.” By 1973, Friedman had formed his second band, Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys, which many took to be a play on the name of the famous band Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Each member had a comical name, including Little Jewford, Big Nig, Panama Red, Wichita Culpepper, Sky Cap Adams, Rainbow Colours, and Snakebite Jacobs.
Friedman’s father objected to the name of the band, calling it a “negative, hostile, peculiar thing,” which gave Kinky even more reason to choose the name. Arriving on the wave of country rock following artists like Gram Parsons, The Band, and Eagles, Friedman initially found cult fame as a country and western singer. His break came in 1973 thanks to Commander Cody of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, who contacted Vanguard Music on his behalf.
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Friedman released “Kinky Friedman” in 1974 for ABC Records, then toured with Bob Dylan in 1975–1976. His repertoire mixed social commentary, such as “We Reserve the Right to Refuse Service to You,” and maudlin ballads like “Western Union Wire,” with raucous humor in songs like “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed.”
Controversial Performances and Songs
One of his most famous songs is “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore,” a song in which Kinky verbally and physically beats up a drunken white racist who berates blacks, Jews, Italians, Greeks, and Sigma Nus in a bar. Another notable song is “The Ballad of Charles Whitman,” in which Friedman lampooned Charles Whitman’s sniper attack from the University of Texas at Austin’s Main Building tower on August 1, 1966. He also covered Chinga Chavin’s “Asshole from El Paso,” a parody of Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee.”
One of Friedman’s most infamous concerts was a 1973 performance in Buffalo, New York, where a group of what Friedman described as “cranked-up lesbians” disrupted the show in response to “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed,” a song that lampoons feminism. The National Organization for Women awarded Friedman the “Male Chauvinist Pig Award” later that year, an accolade he took with pride. Another notorious incident occurred at The Boarding House in early March 1975 when Buffy Sainte-Marie rushed on stage and snatched the war bonnet that Friedman was wearing while performing “Miss Nickelodeon,” a composition that spoofs indigenous peoples.
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Television Appearances and Later Career
Friedman and his band taped an Austin City Limits show on November 11, 1975, which was never aired. This remains the only unaired episode in the show’s long history. In early 1976, Friedman joined Bob Dylan on the second leg of the Rolling Thunder Revue tour. He was also the musical guest on the Season 2 fifth episode of Saturday Night Live, which aired on October 23, 1976, where he performed his own composition “Dear Abbie.”
In February 2007, Sustain Records released a compilation of Friedman’s songs sung by other artists called “Why the Hell Not …”, which included contributions by Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and Kelly Willis. On July 20, 2007, Friedman hosted the Concert to Save Town Lake to honor the memory of Lady Bird Johnson and her efforts to protect and preserve the shores of Town Lake in Austin, Texas. In 2011, Friedman launched his Springtime for Kinky Tour and later toured Australia with Van Dyke Parks.
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Net Worth
At the time of his death, Kinky Friedman’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million. His wealth stemmed from his diverse career, including music sales, book royalties, and various other ventures. His ability to successfully navigate multiple forms of media and entertainment allowed him to maintain a steady income throughout his life.
Legacy and Impact
Kinky Friedman’s legacy is one of individuality and creativity. He managed to carve out a unique niche in multiple fields, each time bringing his distinct voice and perspective. His contributions to music, literature, and politics have left an indelible mark, making him a beloved figure among his fans and respected for his willingness to speak his mind.
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Final Days
Before his passing, Friedman was active in various endeavors. He lived at Echo Hill Ranch, where he continued to be involved with the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch. He was also engaged in the Gold Star Camp for Kids at Echo Hill Ranch, which saw significant success since its inaugural summer in 2021. The camp, co-founded with Marcie Friedman, aimed to provide a memorable summer experience for children.
Conclusion
Kinky Friedman’s life and career were characterized by his refusal to conform to societal norms and his relentless pursuit of creative expression. Through his music, novels, and political endeavors, he challenged conventions and addressed social issues with a blend of humor and insight. His death marks the end of an era, but his influence endures in the countless lives he touched. Kinky Friedman’s unique voice and perspective will continue to inspire those who value originality, courage, and the power of an unyielding spirit.
Table Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman |
| Birthdate | October 31, 1944 |
| Date of Death | June 27, 2024 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois |
| Cause of Death | Complications of Parkinson’s disease |
| Parents | Dr. S. Thomas Friedman and Minnie (Samet) Friedman |
| Ethnicity | Jewish (children of Russian Jewish immigrants) |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Marital Status | Never married |
| Children | None |
| Residence | Echo Hill Ranch near Kerrville, Texas |
| Early Band | King Arthur & the Carrots (1966) |
| Notable Band | Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys (formed in 1973) |
| Musical Style | Country rock, satirical and controversial songs |
| Famous Songs | “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore,” “The Ballad of Charles Whitman,” “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed,” “Ride ‘Em Jewboy” |
| Albums | “Kinky Friedman” (1974) |
| Touring with | Bob Dylan (1975-1976 Rolling Thunder Revue) |
| Television Appearance | Saturday Night Live (Season 2, Episode 5) |
| Writing Career | Author of numerous mystery novels featuring a fictionalized version of himself |
| Political Career | Independent candidate for Texas governor in 2006 |
| Notable Awards | “Male Chauvinist Pig Award” from the National Organization for Women (1973) |
| Animal Rescue | Founded Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch, saving over 1,000 dogs |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2 million |
| Legacy | Known for individuality, creativity, satirical music, and contributions to literature and politics |
| Final Activities | Active at Echo Hill Ranch, involved in Gold Star Camp for Kids, continued work with Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch |
| Memorable Performances | Infamous concerts in Buffalo, New York (1973), and The Boarding House (1975) |
| Unaired Shows | Austin City Limits episode (1975) |
| Compilations | “Why the Hell Not …” featuring various artists (2007) |
| Philanthropic Work | Hosted Concert to Save Town Lake (2007), launched Springtime for Kinky Tour (2011), toured Australia with Van Dyke Parks |
FAQs
1. What was Kinky Friedman’s most famous song?
Kinky Friedman is best known for his song “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore.” The song humorously and provocatively addresses issues of racism and bigotry, showcasing his distinctive satirical style.
2. Did Kinky Friedman ever run for political office?
Yes, Kinky Friedman ran as an independent candidate for the governor of Texas in 2006. His campaign was noted for its unconventional approach and his slogan, “Why the Hell Not?”, resonated with many voters.
3. What was Kinky Friedman’s involvement with animal rescue?
Kinky Friedman founded the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch near Kerrville, Texas. The ranch is dedicated to caring for stray, abused, and aging animals and has saved over 1,000 dogs from euthanasia.
4. What are some notable books written by Kinky Friedman?
Kinky Friedman authored numerous mystery novels, often featuring a fictionalized version of himself as the protagonist. Some of his popular books include “Greenwich Killing Time,” “A Case of Lone Star,” and “Elvis, Jesus & Coca-Cola.”
5. Where did Kinky Friedman live in his later years?
In his later years, Kinky Friedman resided at Echo Hill Ranch near Kerrville, Texas. This family property also served as the location for his Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch and the Gold Star Camp for Kids.