Country singer Kinky Friedman is dead
In the 1970s, Kinky Friedman began his career as a Country singer. Simultaneously, he wrote detective stories and ran for Governor's office in Texas, advocating for same-sex marriage. Now, at the age of 79, Friedman has passed away.
Kinky Friedman is deceased. The Country singer, songwriter, and author, known for songs like "Sold American," was 79 years old. The artist, who was friends with music colleague Willie Nelson, passed away on a Thursday at his ranch in Medina, Texas, apparently due to the complications of Parkinson's disease, according to the "New York Times."
According to an official statement released on his X-Account, "Kinky Friedman has ascended to a rainbow in his beloved Echo Hill, surrounded by his family and friends." The statement further reads: "Kinkster suffered immense pain and unimaginable losses in recent years, but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit. Kinky will continue to live on through his books and songs."
Kinky Friedman's most significant work as a musician is his 1973 album "Sold American," which includes the title track as well as "High on Jesus" and "The Ballad of Charles Whitman." The singer, whose grandparents emigrated from Russia as Jewish Americans, also toured with music legend Bob Dylan, who is a fan of Friedman.
Pro-Cannabis and Same-Sex Marriage
Apart from his music career, Kinky Friedman, born in 1944 in Chicago and raised in Texas, gained recognition in the 1980s through his novels. He wrote approximately 20 books, primarily detective stories. He also had small acting roles in films.
Additionally, Kinky Friedman was politically active. In 2006, the musician ran for the Governor's office in Texas as an independent candidate and received almost 13% of the votes. He advocated for prison reform and education financing, pushing for the legalization of cannabis. He also advocated for increased investment in alternative energy resources and higher teacher salaries. Regarding the death penalty, Friedman stated, "I'm not against the death penalty, but I'm damned sure against executing the innocent."
Friedman was also vocal about women's and LGBTQ+ rights. According to his website, he believed "in a woman's right to choose," whether she wanted to have an abortion. Humorously, Friedman, who never married, supported same-sex marriage. He quipped, "I support gay marriage. I believe they have the right to be as unhappy as the rest of us." Friedman is also rumored to have been friends with former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, having visited both in the White House.
In his political endeavors, Kinky Friedman advocated for the legalization of cannabis during his run for Governor of Texas in 2006. Born and raised in Texas, Friedman's love for his home state was evident in his music, as he often performed at Texas-based entertainment venues.
