January 1, Country Legend Passes: Loss, Laughter, and Unforgettable Legacy

The world has lost a legend as country singer Kinky Friedman passed away in his sleep on June 27 at the age of 79.

His death was confirmed on Twitter: “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. Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.”

Kent Perkins, Friedman’s dear friend, paid tribute to the talented artist and author in a lengthy Facebook post. Perkins wrote, “He leaves a legacy of laughter, music, loyalty, mercy, tolerance, servitude, and wisdom. He was famous as a best-selling author, humorist, songwriter, and singer. But we, his close friends and family, knew him as a rescuer of unwanted dogs and cats, a compassionate, philanthropic, soft-spoken man who devoted much of his life to serving others less fortunate.”

Friedman, along with his sister, founded the Echo Hill Gold Star Camp for children who lost a parent to military, police, fire, or EMS service. Perkins also highlighted Friedman’s musical career, which continued even as he aged: “Kinky, at 79, performed on stage as long as he could stand up with a guitar strapped around his neck. And then he performed sitting down.”

Friedman, whose real name was Richard Friedman, formed his first band in university and later created Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys in 1973. That same year, he released “Sold American,” which catapulted him into stardom. Friedman’s career included a tour with Bob Dylan from 1975-1976, and he continued releasing music until 2018.

Some of his most famous songs include “Sold American,” “Honky Town Heroes,” “Ride ’em Jewboy,” “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore,” and “The Ballad of Charles Whitman.” In addition to his music career, Friedman was an accomplished author and Texas Monthly columnist.

Kinky Friedman’s talents will continue to be cherished, and his legacy will live on through his music, writings, and philanthropic work.

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