Singer, writer and humorist Kinky Friedman dies aged 79

American alt-country singer-songwriter, author and sometime politician Kinky Friedman, known as the “Jewish Cowboy”, died on Thursday at the age of 79.

“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends,” Friedman’s official account posted on X yesterday. “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 reportedly died after having Parkinson’s disease.

Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Halloween in 1944. He was raised by children of Russian Jewish immigrants, moving to Texas Hill Country when he was a young boy.

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

Friedman referred to himself as the “Jewish cowboy” after his song ‘My Governor Is a Jewish Cowboy’, a nod to his unsuccessful attempt at a political career in 2006 when he ran for governor of Texas against Republican incumbent Rick Perry.

His 1973 country album Sold American, released under Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, featured provocative songs like ‘High on Jesus’ and ‘Ride ’Em Jewboy’, which dealt with themes of the Holocaust and being a religious minority in a heavily Christian Texas.

Friedman was also a close friend to Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, and was the author of multiple detective novels, as well as a contributor to Texas Monthly magazine.