Singer-songwriter Richard “Kinky” Friedman died in June at his home in Texas at the age of 79. He was loved by many in the country music community. Friedman was more than just a musician. He was also a politician. In 2006, he ran against Rick Perry for governor, and in 2010 and 2014, he tried to get the Democratic nod for agriculture commissioner.
Friedman was a great communicator, and his songs and stories could make people feel very strongly. His lifelong friend Clive Hattersley remembers him with love and mentioned that he had been fighting Parkinson’s disease.
Friedman kept putting out music even though the band didn’t last long. He released 18 records, including his last one, “Circus of Life,” in 2018. He went on two years of tours with Bob Dylan.
Friedman’s impact shows how creative, funny, and passionate he was. Search for his music and writings or look at online tools to learn more about his life and what he did.
