Kinky Friedman, country singer known as ‘Jewish cowboy’, dies aged 79
American country singer-songwriter, author and aspirational politician Kinky Friedman, known as the “Jewish cowboy”, died on Wednesday at the age of 79, his estate announced.
“Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends,” Friedman’s official account posted on X on Thursday. “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.”
Friedman reportedly died after having Parkinson’s disease.
Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Russian-Jewish parents in 1944 and grew up in Texas – a key pillar of his public persona. Friedman referred to himself as the “Jewish cowboy” after his song “My Governor Is a Jewish Cowboy”, a nod to his unsuccessful attempt at a political career in 2006 when he ran for governor of Texas against Republican incumbent Rick Perry.
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. pic.twitter.com/sIXnoglSby
— Kinky Friedman (@FriedmanKinky) June 27, 2024
One of six candidates in that election, Friedman won just less than 13% of the vote.
A close friend to Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, Friedman most notably made a name for himself in the country music scene. His 1973 album Sold American featured provocative songs like High on Jesus and Ride ’Em Jewboy about the Holocaust and being a religious minority in the heavily Christian Texas.
Friedman, who wrote some of his music while serving in the Peace Corps in Borneo, was a favorite of Nelson Mandela, who allegedly listened to Friedman’s songs while imprisoned for his opposition to apartheid in South Africa.
Friedman was also an author of several detective novels and a contributor to Texas Monthly magazine.
When announcing his death on X, Friedman’s estate also posted an excerpt from a column he wrote in 1993 following the death of his cat, which read: “They say when you die and go to heaven all the dogs and cats you’ve ever had in your life come running to meet you. Until that day, rest in peace, Cuddles.”
