Kinky Friedman: The Unconventional Legacy of a Texas Icon

From satirical country music to political campaigns and detective novels, Kinky Friedman left an indelible mark on Texas culture.

Kinky Friedman, born Richard Samet Friedman, passed away at 79 after a multifaceted career as a musician, novelist, and politician.
Friedman founded the Texas Jewboys, a band known for its provocative and satirical country songs.
He ran for governor of Texas in 2006 with slogans like 'Why the hell not?' and 'How hard could it be?'
Friedman transitioned to writing comic detective novels in the 1980s, featuring a character based on himself.
Despite his controversial humor and checkered past, Friedman became a beloved figure in Texas and beyond.