We Say Goodbye To Kinky Friedman

Singer-songwriter and satirist Kinky Friedman has passed away at the age of 79.

A statement posted to Friedman’s X account confirmed his death on Thursday.

“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,” the statement read on the social media platform.

“Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung,” the message concluded.

Kinky Friedman was a unique voice in the world of music and literature, known for his sharp wit and love of animals. From Bob Dylan to Bill Clinton, his work resonated with a wide audience, cementing his place as a beloved musician, author, and at times, political candidate.

Born on November 1, 1944, Friedman captured the world’s attention in the 1970s with his band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. Their satirical songs, delivered in a folksy cowboy style, were known for their provocative titles like “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed” and “The Ballad of Charles Whitman.”

In the early 70s, Friedman was introduced to Vanguard Records by Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, whom he met through George Frayne (aka Commander Cody) in California. Shortly after, Friedman opened a show for Benson’s band in Berkeley, making a memorable entrance in red, white, and blue cowboy chaps, a cigar in one hand and a bottle of Jack Daniels in the other. His performance of “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed” caused an uproar among the audience, highlighting the provocative spirit that would define his career.

“That was his life,” Benson recalled. “But he was a master. His songs were incredible. He was a great writer, and his books were fascinating.”

Despite his outrageous performances, Kinky Friedman had a tender side, especially towards animals. He founded Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch in the Hill Country, where he was raised, providing care for thousands of stray, abused, and aging animals.

After a decade in the music business, Friedman shifted his focus to novel writing, creating hard-boiled crime novels in the style of Raymond Chandler, with himself often starring as the protagonist.

The cause of his death has yet to be revealed.