American country singer-songwriter, author, and aspiring politician Kinky Friedman, renowned for his colorful persona as the “Jewish cowboy,” passed away at the age of 79, his estate announced on Wednesday.
“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, who battled Parkinson’s disease, was born Richard Samet Friedman in 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, to Russian-Jewish parents. His upbringing in Texas became a cornerstone of his public identity. Friedman famously dubbed himself the “Jewish cowboy,” inspired by his song “My Governor Is a Jewish Cowboy” during his gubernatorial bid in 2006 against Rick Perry.
In the realm of country music, Friedman left an indelible mark, particularly through his 1973 album Sold American, featuring provocative tracks such as “High on Jesus” and “Ride ’Em Jewboy,” which delved into themes like the Holocaust and his status as a religious minority in Texas.
A close confidant of icons like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, Friedman’s influence extended beyond music. He authored numerous detective novels and contributed to publications like Texas Monthly. His multifaceted career also saw him serve in the Peace Corps in Borneo, where he continued to compose music.
Even amidst his political and artistic pursuits, Friedman’s impact reached unexpected places, including gaining admiration from Nelson Mandela, who reputedly found solace in Friedman’s music during his imprisonment in South Africa.
Upon announcing his passing, Friedman’s estate shared poignant words he wrote in 1993 following the loss of his cat, encapsulating his tender side: “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.”
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