Beloved country singer found

Beloved Country Singer Kinky Friedman Dies at 79 — Tributes Pour in for Texas Icon

The country music world is mourning the loss of one of its most colorful and beloved figures, Richard “Kinky” Friedman, who passed away at the age of 79 in late June. Known as much for his biting wit as his twangy ballads, Friedman died at his cherished home, Echo Hill Ranch in Medina, Texas, surrounded by family and close friends.

The news of his passing was confirmed in a heartfelt message shared to social media on Thursday, June 27, which read:

“How hard can it be?”

A Life Larger Than Lyrics

Friedman, a country music satirist, author, and political provocateur, carved out a space that was uniquely his own. His early music career took off in the 1970s with the formation of his band, Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys, a group known for their irreverent, controversial, and often hilarious lyrics. Their breakout tracks—“They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed”—became underground classics, blending humor with sharp social commentary.

Though the band didn’t last long, Friedman wasn’t finished. In 1974, he released a solo album, and in a moment that solidified his credibility beyond satire, joined Bob Dylan on tour for two years, exposing his work to a wider audience.