The country music world is mourning the loss of a beloved figure, Richard “Kinky” Friedman, who passed away at his Texas home in late June at the age of 79. The news was shared in a heartfelt social media post on June 27, revealing that he spent his final moments at Echo Hill Ranch in Medina, surrounded by family and close friends.
The announcement tenderly noted, “He stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill, surrounded by those he held dear. Despite enduring immense pain and unimaginable loss in recent years, he never lost his fighting spirit or sharp wit.”
In 2006, Friedman ran for governor against Rick Perry, drawing widespread media attention, though he finished fourth in the race. He also made attempts at the Democratic nomination for agriculture commissioner in 2010 and 2014, though without success.
Longtime friend Clive Hattersley fondly remembered Friedman as a remarkable communicator, capable of stirring deep emotions, whether through laughter or tears. Hattersley also shared that Friedman had been battling Parkinson’s disease.
Friedman first rose to fame in the early 1970s when he formed the satirical country band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys, 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.” Though the band had a short run, Friedman continued his musical career, releasing a self-titled solo album in 1974 and embarking on a two-year tour with Bob Dylan.
Over the course of his career, he released 18 albums, with his final work, Circus of Life, coming out in 2018.
The country music community deeply feels the loss of this iconic figure. Rest in peace, Kinky Friedman.