LEGEND country music singer, passes at 79 after…

The country music community is mourning the loss of Richard “Kinky” Friedman, who passed away at his Texas home in late June at the age of 79.

Friedman was not only known for his music but also for his colorful ventures into politics. In 2006, he ran for governor of Texas against Rick Perry, drawing national attention though finishing in fourth place. He later sought the Democratic nomination for agriculture commissioner in both 2010 and 2014 but did not succeed.

His longtime friend, Clive Hattersley, remembered him as a powerful communicator, someone who could stir deep emotions in people — moving them to tears one moment and laughter the next.

Hattersley also revealed that Friedman had been battling Parkinson’s disease in his later years.

Friedman first gained fame in the early 1970s after forming the satirical country band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys. The group became known for bold songs such as “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed.”

Although the band’s time together was short-lived, Friedman continued pursuing music. In 1974, he released a self-titled solo album and soon after joined Bob Dylan on a two-year tour.

Over the span of his career, Friedman released 18 albums, with his final record, Circus of Life, arriving in 2018. His legacy endures as both a fearless satirist and a beloved voice in American country music.