Privilege, Patriarchs, and Punk Unveiling the Austin Scene's Secrets.

Texas lost two brilliant, complex men this week: Richard "Kinky" Friedman and Michael "Corky" Corcoran. Both were adopted Texans who lived life out loud and in the public eye, yet craved privacy and serenity when they stepped away from the spotlight.

These nonconformists provoked and agitated, but also displayed a deep selflessness and social awareness. They were complicated, and their complicated natures are reflected in the memories shared by those who knew them.

'He is completely irreplaceable.'

Bill Wittliff, 'Lonesome Dove' screenwriter:

"Although we tussled in the newsroom for years, I counted Michael as a friend. When he praised a story, it felt earned... My heart is with his son, Jack, along with his former wife and dear friend, Victoria."

Wittliff also praised Corcoran's books, "Ghost Notes: Pioneering Spirits of Texas Music" and "All Over the Map: True Heroes of Texas Music," calling them "deep cultural history" that will be read for decades.

TCU Press will publish Corcoran's upcoming book, "Austin Music Is a Scene, Not a Sound: An Illustrated History of the First 100 Years."

James Lehr, marketing director for TCU Press:

"Our plan currently is to go ahead with the book, targeting sometime this fall for its release."

'He saw stories everywhere.'

Kathy Blackwell, former Statesman features editor, now executive editor for Texas Monthly:

"One thing I always admired about Michael and why I loved working with him was that he saw stories everywhere... He was especially passionate about making sure overlooked musicians, especially those of color, got their due... Even when we were disagreeing on something, which we did often, he would turn around and compliment me or share music with me, or just try to make me laugh. He made himself available to everyone. He was generous."

'The GOAT of Austin music journalism.'

Andy Langer, journalist and radio host:

"End of an era... He was his own man... a singular talent, equal parts frustrating and brilliant... He did it to get a rise out of us. Later, he did it for clicks, likes, newsletter views and book sales... He was the truest, bluest contrarian I've ever met... He was a one-man Statler and Waldorf, had a lot of heart, a lot of wisdom and offered all of us a lot of laughs."

'The most thankless job there is.'

Chris Riemenschneider, former Statesman music writer, now music writer for the Star Tribune:

"Corcoran used to tell me being a newspaper music critic was 'the most thankless job there is.'... You often work for newsroom editors who only want you covering whatever they get a press release for, and who more than anything don't want you writing anything to piss anyone off... You work with egocentric musicians who only want you writing praise for them... You work with a lot of other people in the music business who think you're there to serve them; or shouldn't be there at all... I believe Michael's point was: 'Do the job for yourself.' Find your own rewards... Write that much-maligned '25 albums that killed rock 'n' roll' list because pissing off humorless Beatles fans sounds fun. He took this approach better than anyone, and thus I truly believe he was as good at the job as anyone."

In the wake of their passing, we are left with the legacies they built and the memories they left behind. May their stories continue to be told and retold, honoring their impact on Texas culture and beyond.