Kinky Friedman, known for his satirical and often provocative style, has passed away at 79. A post on his social media announced, “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends.
Kinkster endured tremendous pain & unthinkable loss in recent years but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit.
Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.”
Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman earned a cult following for his unique take on country and Western music.
He released numerous albums, starting with “Sold American” in 1973, a record that laid the foundation for his career.
Known as the “governor of the heart of Texas,” he even toured with Bob Dylan during the “Rolling Thunder Revue” and made history as the “first full-blooded Jew” to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Apart from his musical endeavors, Friedman was a prolific writer. He wrote detective novels and contributed as a columnist for Texas Monthly.
He also ventured into politics, running for Governor of Texas in 2006 with the campaign slogan “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy,” securing 12.6 percent of the votes among six candidates.
Born in Chicago and raised in Texas, Friedman studied psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
His passion for music led him to form King Arthur & the Carrots and later Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. He described the latter as a “country band with a social conscience, a demented love child of Lenny Bruce and Bob Wills.”
Reflecting on his life, Friedman once wrote, “Somewhere in heaven, I’m sure there’s a quiet corner with a big easy chair, a bright floor lamp, a big stack of biographical books, and a few old dogs wagging their tails to the faint smell of cigar smoke.”
Brown-Eyed Woman One Direction Idol Liam Payne Called ‘Wife’ & Mother of His Son — Pics of His Ex, 10 Years His Senior
Liam Payne’s journey from boyband fame with One Direction to fatherhood and relationships was filled with highs and lows. One significant relationship in his life was with Cheryl Cole, a British singer ten years his senior, with whom he shares a son named Bear. The couple met in 2010 on *The X Factor*, but their romance didn’t begin until 2016. Despite their age difference sparking attention, they appeared happy and shared a deep bond. Payne even referred to Cole as his “wife” in several interviews, though it was never confirmed that they married.
In 2017, the couple welcomed their son, Bear, into the world, with Payne expressing his joy over fatherhood. Though Payne and Cole eventually separated in 2018, they remained dedicated to co-parenting Bear. Payne often praised Cole, calling her “literally the best person to co-parent with,” describing their dynamic as relaxed and harmonious.
Despite the split, Payne remained a devoted father, ensuring that he maintained a close relationship with his son. He made it a priority to spend quality time with Bear, visiting him multiple times a week and engaging in regular video calls to stay connected when they were apart.
Tragically, Payne’s life was cut short in 2024 following an accident in Buenos Aires. His passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, leaving behind a legacy of music, fatherhood, and cherished memories shared with his fans and loved ones.
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