Biography
Kinky Friedman, born Richard F. Friedman on October 31, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, is an American singer-songwriter, novelist, and satirist best known for his sharp wit and irreverent take on country music. Raised in Texas from an early age, Friedman grew up on a ranch in the Texas Hill Country after his family relocated from Chicago. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1966, and subsequently served two years in the Peace Corps in Borneo and the South Pacific[2][5].
Friedman began his music career in the early 1970s, forming the band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys. His music, a blend of outlaw country, alt-country, and Americana, stood out for its satirical edge, social commentary, and willingness to tackle taboo subjects. Songs like "They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore," "Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed," and "Ride 'Em Jewboy" (a tribute to Holocaust victims) exemplified his unique style—mixing humor, pathos, and pointed critique[3][5]. Despite limited commercial success, Friedman became a cult figure, touring with Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue and performing on 'Saturday Night Live' in 1976[2][3][5].
After his music career slowed in the 1980s, Friedman reinvented himself as a novelist, penning detective stories featuring a fictionalized version of himself. He also became a columnist for Texas Monthly and ran for governor of Texas, further cementing his legacy as a Texas iconoclast and cultural provocateur. His influence on the outlaw country movement and Americana genre remains significant, and his work continues to inspire musicians and writers who value wit, independence, and social commentary[2][4][5].
Fun Facts
- Friedman was the first full-blooded Jew to play Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry[4].
- He introduced the frisbee to Borneo while serving in the Peace Corps[4].
- His song 'Ride 'Em Jewboy' is one of the few country tributes to Holocaust victims[2][5].
- Friedman ran for governor of Texas, gaining notoriety for his unconventional campaign[2].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Commander Cody - Helped Friedman secure his first record deal by contacting Vanguard Music on his behalf (Sold American (1973, debut LP)) [Early 1970s]
Key Collaborators
- The Texas Jewboys - Friedman's backing band, central to his early music career (Sold American, Kinky Friedman (albums)) [1971–late 1970s]
- Bob Dylan - Friedman toured as part of Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue (Rolling Thunder Revue tour) [1975–1976]
- Chuck Glaser - Produced Friedman's debut LP (Sold American) [Early 1970s]
- Kris Kristofferson, Tompall Glaser, Billy Swan, Shel Silverstein, Mickey Newbury, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver - Peers and collaborators in the outlaw country and progressive country scenes (Various collaborations and performances) [1970s]
Artists Influenced
- Jesse Dayton - Cites Friedman as an influence and modern country outlaw peer (Poet of Motel 6) [2010s–2020s]
- Americana and alt-country artists - Friedman is considered a forefather of the Americana genre, influencing a generation of artists who blend country with satire and social commentary (Genre-wide influence) [1980s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Poet of Motel 6 | 2025-03-21 | Album |
| Sold American-30th Anniversary | 2006-01-01 | Album |
| Poet of Motel 6 | 2025-03-21 | Album |
| The Loneliest Man I Ever Met | 2015-10-02 | Album |
| Live From Austin, TX | 2007-07-10 | Album |
| Resurrection | 2019-10-15 | Album |
| Circus of Life | 2018-07-06 | Album |
| Live Down Under | 2002 | Album |
| Lasso From El Paso | 1976-01-01 | Album |
| Bi-Polar Tour: Live from Woodstock | 2012-09-04 | Album |
| Lost & Found: The Famous Living Room Tape | 2013-09-09 | Album |
| Three Sheets To The Wind (Live 1981) | 2022-06-10 | Album |
| The Loneliest Man I Ever Met | 2015-10-02 | Album |
| The Loneliest Man I Ever Met | 2015-10-02 | Album |
| The Loneliest Man I Ever Met | 2015-09-02 | Album |
Top Tracks
- My Shits Fucked Up (The Loneliest Man I Ever Met)
- Sold American (Sold American-30th Anniversary)
- We Reserve The Right To Refuse Service To You (Sold American-30th Anniversary)
- Poet of Motel 6 (Poet of Motel 6)
- Get Your Biscuits In The Oven And Your Buns In Bed (Sold American-30th Anniversary)
- Hello, Good Morning (Poet of Motel 6)
- Banjo, Sophie, and Me (Poet of Motel 6)
- Buddy, You're Living My Dream (Poet of Motel 6)
- The Life and Death of a Rodeo Clown (Poet of Motel 6)
- Sometimes (Poet of Motel 6)
External Links
Tags: #country, #has-german-audiobooks, #politician
References
Heard on WWOZ
Kinky Friedman has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2025 | 14:57 | See You Down the Highwayfrom Poet of Motel 6 | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River |