Obituary: Kinky Friedman

Born Richard Samet Friedman, the son of Thomas Friedman, a psychologist, and Minnie, née Samet, a speech therapist, he spent most of his life in Echo Hill Ranch, which his parents founded. There, he and his sister, Marcie, later established a centre for rescue animals and a site for children’s summer camp, free of charge.

Kinky was raised with a strong sense of Jewish identity which later permeated his work. It has been reported that at the age of nine the young Richard refused to participate in his school’s Christmas pageant. His pride in his heritage would often appear in his music and writing, which contained more serious references and commentary than immediately apparent. With a thick moustache, an eternal cigar and cowboy hat, he played his own version of Texas country music, much of it with Jewish references. His song “They Ain’t Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore,” for example, addresses antisemitism and another, “Ride ’em Jewboy,”, was a poignant allegory about the Holocaust.

Also known as The Kinkster, Friedman ran for Justice of the Peace in Kerrville, Texas in 1986 and in 2006 he announced his candidacy for governor of Texas- although he did not get elected on either occasion, his campaigns were not unsuccessful. He dedicated much of his gigs during his UK tour in the mid- 2000s to discussions about American and Texan politics and while I (secretly) preferred to listen to his songs and usual jokes, I found his campaign slogans- “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy” ; “How Hard Could It Be?; “Why the hell not,” “He ain't Kinky, he's my Governor"”- utterly amusing. I still cherish my Kinky Friedman vest, given to me at the time by my friend Leslie, with the statement "Kinky for Governor" printed on it. I’ve tended to wear it under my t-shirt, though.

Kinky’s songs and books are witty, funny, sometimes crude and blatant. In 1973 he received the "Male Chauvinist Pig Award" from The National Organisation for Women after performing a song titled "Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed" (a song that mocks feminism), an award that he reportedly received with (good natured) pride. But my favourite Kinky song is "Marilyn and Joe," co-written with Sharon Howard. It is not as well-known as some of his other songs and it is certainly not amusing, but I tend to believe that he meant every word when he wrote and sang about a “Place called Love” and that the lines, "There is a place where you can go; where Marilyn still dances with Di Maggio; and Juliet with Romeo; and the name of the place is Love" reflect his warmth, compassionate nature and hope for a better world .

Friedman wrote 18 books, most featuring a fictional version of himself as a detective solving crimes. In these books, as in real life, he is often surrounded by his friends (and spends time with his pet armadillo)

Kinky Friedman leaves behind a legacy of laughter, music and compassion. I hope that there is a place where Kinky still sings, jokes, and makes others happy. I have no doubt that the name of that place is Love. He is survived by Marcie and his brother Roger.

Kinky Friedman: born November 1, 1944. Died June 27, 2024