Kinky Friedman
The musician died at the age of 79
Kinky Friedman performing in Germany.
© imago/Rau
Mourning for Kinky Friedman: The country singer has died at the age of 79. He suffered from Parkinson’s disease.
Kinky Friedman (1944-2024) has died. The country singer, songwriter and writer, who was known for songs such as “Sold American,” was 79 years old. The artist died on Thursday on his ranch in Medina, Texas, apparently from the effects of Parkinson’s disease, as the New York Times reports.
“Kinky Friedman has climbed a rainbow in his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family and friends,” says an official statement published on his X-AccountIt continues: “Kinkster has suffered tremendous pain and unimaginable loss over the past few years, but he has never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit. Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.”
On tour with Bob Dylan
According to media reports, Kinky Friedman’s most important work as a musician was his 1973 album “Sold American”, which included the title song as well as the songs “High on Jesus” and “The Ballad of Charles Whitman”. The singer also toured with music legend Bob Dylan (83), who is considered a fan of Friedman.
In addition to his career as a musician, Kinky Friedman, who was born in Chicago in 1944 and grew up in Texas, also became known for his novels in the 1980s. He wrote around 20 books, mainly detective stories. He also wrote a column. Friedman also had small roles in films.
He ran for governor
Kinky Friedman was also politically active. In 2006, the musician ran for governor of Texas. Although he was defeated, he still received almost 13 percent of the vote. Kinky Friedman is also said to have been friends with former US presidents Bill Clinton (77) and George W. Bush (77). He visited both of them in the White House.