Last month, the country music world lost the beloved singer Richard “Kinky” Friedman, who passed away at his Texas home in late June at the age of 79.
According to a heartfelt social media post on June 27, Friedman died surrounded by family and friends at his Echo Hill Ranch in Medina.
The post described how Friedman “stepped on a rainbow” at his cherished home, and despite the pain and losses he faced in recent years, he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit.
You might remember that Friedman ran for governor in 2006 against Rick Perry. Although he got a lot of media attention, he finished fourth. He also ran for the Democratic nomination for agriculture commissioner in 2010 and 2014, but was unsuccessful in both attempts.
Clive Hattersley, a longtime friend, said: “He was a unique and powerful communicator. He could make you cry or laugh uncontrollably on stage.”
Hattersley also mentioned that Friedman had Parkinson’s disease.
Friedman started the satirical country band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys in the early 1970s, known for songs like “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed.”
After the band’s brief run, Friedman released a solo album in 1974 and went on a two-year tour with Bob Dylan.
According to Texas Monthly: “Richard ‘Kinky’ Friedman, a Texas icon, brought his unique touch to his songs, books, and campaign speeches…”
Throughout his career, Friedman released 18 albums, with his last one, *Circus of Life*, coming out in 2018.
Rest in peace, Richard Friedman.