Kinky Friedman, the beloved musician and writer, passed away surrounded by family and friends at his Echo Hill ranch. Known for his fighting spirit and quick wit, Kinky endured significant pain and loss in recent years but never lost his humor.
“Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung,” a post on X stated. Kinky, whose real name was John, attended the University of Texas at Austin. He ran for governor of Texas in 2006, securing 12% of the vote.
Kinky’s first band, King Arthur & the Carrots, formed at UT, released one record in 1966, parodying surf music. His second band, Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, formed in 1973, and released a self-titled album in 1974. He toured with Bob Dylan and was a musical guest on Season 2 of Saturday Night Live. Over his career, Kinky released 18 albums, with his latest, Circus of Life, in 2018.
In the 1980s, Kinky turned to writing, primarily detective novels featuring fictional versions of himself. His works are known for their humor and charm, blending crime-solving with witty commentary. Kinky wrote a regular column for Texas Monthly from 2001 to 2005 and resumed it in 2008.
Kinky’s legacy as a musician and writer will continue through his books and songs, cherished by fans worldwide.
