(DailyDig.com) – Kinky Friedman, a multi-talented artist who formerly fronted the alt-country group Texas Jewboys and performed with Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and others, passed away at the age of 79.
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Always seen with a cigar and a wide-brimmed cowboy hat, he was famous for his biting one-liners and bizarre humor. The comic had intense friendships with many American presidents, including Clinton and Bush.
Friedman dabbled in politics through his candidacy for governor and other state posts. He was one of five candidates—including Rick Perry, the sitting Republican governor—who campaigned for governor as an independent in 2006. With the Alamo in the background, Friedman began his campaign by saying we were all gypsies on a pirate ship, setting sail for the Governor’s Mansion.
He demanded that former governorn Rick Perry give up all control without conditions.
Friedman maintained his political aspirations were genuine, even though some considered them as just another one of Friedman’s jokes. Pat Paulsen, another comedian, ran for the presidency quite a few times and was never taken too seriously, even though his antics were culturally significant. Paulsen stripped away the politician’s veneer of self-importance. Friedman had a bit of that vibe.
In 2006, Perry was re-elected, but Friedman came in last. Still, he wasn’t done with politics; in 2010 and 2014, he ran as a Democrat for state agricultural commissioner, but he was unsuccessful.
Throughout his active years, Friedman amassed an extensive music catalog that included albums such as the 1973 album Sold American and the 197 offering Lasso from El Paso. His unique take on country music garnered him a devoted fan base among alt-country enthusiasts.
Friedman passed away on Thursday at the ranch his family owned in Texas, not far from San Antonio. He succumbed to his longtime battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Known as “The Kinkster” and adorned with sideburns, a thick mustache, and a cowboy hat, Friedman amassed a devoted fan base and a reputation for being a daring provocateur in his musical and literary endeavors.
Friedman began penning crime novels in the 1980s, sometimes using a fictionalized version of himself. In the 2000s, he contributed a column to Texas Monthly magazine.
Richard Samet Friedman was born in Chicago but spent his childhood in Texas.
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