Country Singer Discovered Deceased This Morning At His Residence In Texas

The actor Richard “Kinky” Friedman has passed away at the age of 79.

The news was announced on Thursday.

“Kinky Friedman passed away peacefully at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends,” the announcement stated.

“Despite enduring significant challenges and losses in recent years, Kinkster never lost his fighting spirit and sharp wit.”

“Kinky’s legacy will endure through his literature and music,” the statement continued.

Born John, he attended the University of Texas at Austin.

The exact date of his passing was not disclosed.

Kinky also made a notable run for Governor of Texas as an independent candidate in 2006, finishing fourth out of six candidates with 12% of the vote.

MUSIC CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Kinky’s first band, King Arthur & the Carrots, formed during his time at UT, released their only album in 1966 titled “Schwinn 24/Beach Party Boo Boo,” poking fun at surf music.

In 1973, Richard formed his second band, Ginky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, which disbanded shortly after. Kinky’s self-titled album was released in 1974.

Following this, Kinky toured with Bob Dylan and appeared as a musical guest on Season 2 of Saturday Night Live. In 2011, he embarked on a world tour as a headlining act.

Kinky has released a total of 18 albums to date, with his latest, “Circus of Life,” coming out in 2018.

POST-MUSIC CAREER: In the 1980s, Richard transitioned to writing, primarily focusing on detective novels that fictionalized aspects of his life and lyrics from his songs.

His novels, set in New York City, feature a character solving crimes while delivering humor, advice, recipes, and charisma, envisioning himself as a modern-day Sherlock Holmes.

Kinky authored books like “Kill Two Birds and Get Stoned” and “The Christmas Pig,” and contributed a regular column to Texas Monthly from 2001 to 2005.