In late June, the world lost a beloved singer and satirist at his Texas home, marking the end of an era for a true original in music and culture. Known for his sharp wit and a style all his own, he first gained fame in the early 1970s as the frontman of the satirical country band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys. The group’s controversial hits, like “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed,” cemented his reputation for challenging norms with humor. Though the band’s time was brief, his musical journey continued with a 1974 solo album and a tour with Bob Dylan.
Aside from his music, he ventured into politics, famously running for Texas governor in 2006 and later vying for the Democratic nomination for agriculture commissioner. Despite not winning, his candidacies sparked widespread attention, further showcasing his flair for the unconventional.
A close friend, Clive Hattersley, described him as “an extraordinary communicator who could make you cry or laugh in an instant.” Hattersley also shared that he had been quietly battling Parkinson’s disease. Over his career, he released 18 albums, with his last, “Circus of Life,” debuting in 2018.