Kinky Friedman, Musician and Writer With a Soft Spot for Animals, Dies at 79

“He was a master. His songs were incredible. He was a great writer, and his books were fascinating.”
— Ray Benson

Legendary musician, author, and political candidate Richard "Kinky" Friedman passed away on Thursday at the age of 79. Friedman was known for his satirical songs, performed with his band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, and for his hard-boiled crime novels.

Born on November 1, 1944, Friedman burst onto the music scene in the early 1970s, signing with Vanguard Records and opening for Asleep at the Wheel in Berkeley. His outrageous stage persona and provocative songs, like "Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed," often sparked controversy, but he was undeniably talented.

Friedman's career spanned music, literature, and politics. He penned crime novels in the style of Raymond Chandler and wrote a column for Texas Monthly titled "The Last Roundup." In 2006, he ran for Texas Governor as an independent with the slogan "Why the hell not?" finishing fourth with 12.45% of the vote.

Despite his provocative public image, Friedman had a soft spot for animals. He founded the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch in his home state of Texas and dedicated his life to caring for stray, abused, and aging animals.

“I wanted people to have a second door to the magazine... He kind of flew by his own set of coordinates. He was an incredibly complicated person: very talented and unapologetically inappropriate.”
— Evan Smith, editor-in-chief of Texas Monthly

Friedman's legacy is one of artistic expression, boundary-pushing humor, and a deep love for all creatures. He will be remembered as a unique and multifaceted talent who left an indelible mark on the worlds of music, literature, and Texas politics.

Sources:

• https://www.statesman.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/07/20/kinky-friedman-dies-musician-writer-texas-governor-candidate-utopia-animal-rescue-ranch/13102025008/
• https://www.kinkyfriedman.com/