On Thursday, the news reached us via X.

“Kinky Friedman entered on the rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family and friends,” he said.

“The Kinkster has endured tremendous pain and unimaginable loss in recent years, but has never lost his fighting spirit and sharp wit.”

“Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung,” the message read.

He attended the University of Texas at Austin and went by the name John.

It was not known exactly when he died.

But in 2006, Kinky also entered as an independent and ran for governor of Texas.

Out of six candidates, he received 12% of the vote, placing him in fourth place.

MUSIC PROFILE

Kinky formed his first band, King Arthur & the Carrots when he was a student at UT.

They only released one record in 1966, Schwinn 24/Beach Party Boo Boo.

King Arthur & The Carrots frolicked with surf music.

Richard’s second band was Ginky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. They were founded in 1973.

Their brief association resulted in the release of Kinky’s self-titled album in 1974.

Two years later, Kinky went on tour with Bob Dylan.

After the tour, he appeared as the musical guest on the second season of Saturday Night Live.

In 2011, the performer embarked on a worldwide headlining tour.

KINKY has released eighteen albums so far. His last book, Cirkus života, was published in 2018.

Nothing more

Richard started composing later when his music career took off in the 1980s.

His writings are primarily detective stories with fictionalized autobiographies and musical lyrics.

The character fights crime in New York while charming people, offering recipes, advice, and laughs.

He imagines himself to be Sherlock Holmes from another era.

Kill Two Birds and Stone Me and The Christmas Pig, two Kinky Friedman novels, do not feature Kinky Friedman.

In addition, he contributed a regular column to Texas Monthly from 2001 to 2005.

In 2006, he entered the gubernatorial race and gave up publishing the column.

However, the newspaper revived his column every two months for two years later.

Richard ran unsuccessfully for judge in Kerrville, Texas in 1986 as a Republican. That was before his gubernatorial campaign.

Richard “Kinky” Friedman, a multifaceted artist known for his music, writing, and brief political career, has died at age 79. The announcement of his death was shared on social media where it was said that he died surrounded by family and friends. On his beloved Echo Hill. Despite tremendous personal challenges in recent years, Kinky’s tenacious spirit and sharp humor left a lasting impact on those who knew him and his work.

Friedman’s artistic journey began at the University of Texas, where he formed his first band, King Arthur & the Carrots. He later gained wider recognition with Ginka Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, cementing his place on the music scene with a unique blend of humor and social commentary. His collaborations, including a notable tour with Bob Dylan and appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live, showcased his talent and charisma.

In addition to music, Kinky devoted himself to literature and created detective stories full of autobiographical elements and wit. His writings often reflected his distinct personality, combining crime-solving with humor and advice, making him a modern-day Sherlock Holmes. His literary contributions, along with his musical legacy, ensure that Kinky Friedman will be remembered as much for his creativity as for his character.

As word of his death spreads through the art community, tributes and reflections on his influence will continue to emerge. Kinky Friedman’s legacy lives on through his songs, books, and memories of those he touched during his remarkable life.