Austin, TX
Richard ‘Kinky’ Friedman dies at 79
Posted:
Updated:
AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — Richard “Kinky” Friedman — the provocative and flamboyant Texas satirist who mounted a spirited campaign for governor in 2006 — has died. He was 79.
Friedman died at his longtime home at Echo Hill Ranch in Medina, his friends Cleve Hattersley said in an interview and Kent Perkins said on social media. He had Parkinson’s disease, Hattersley said.
Friedman ran for governor against Republican incumbent Rick Perry in 2006. Despite a colorful campaign and heavy media attention, Friedman finished fourth in the race. He also ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for agriculture commissioner in 2010 and in 2014.
Friedman was known for his outsized persona, pithy one-liners and signature look: curly hair poking out from beneath a black cowboy hat, cigar in hand.
“He was a communicator. An unusual, but very pointed and poignant communicator,” Hattersley said. “He could bring you to tears on stage. He could make you roll on the floor in laughter.”
Friedman gained a reputation as a provocateur. In the early 1970s, he formed the satirical country band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys — which penned songs like “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed.” Later, he published novels that often featured a fictionalized version of himself, including “Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola” and “Armadillos and Old Lace.”
In politics, Friedman staked out unusual positions at the time for someone seeking statewide office in Texas, like legalization of marijuana and casino gambling. He supported same-sex marriage in 2006, long before the Supreme Court legalized it nationally, quipping, “I support gay marriage because I believe they have right to be just as miserable as the rest of us.”
Hattersley said Friedman’s irreverence gave voice to more ideas.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/06/27/kinky-friedman-dies-texas-governor-race-musician/.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
Five people were killed when a small private plane crashed and caught fire near Austin, Texas, according to state and local officials. A pickleball club identified the victims as members who were traveling to a tournament.
The crash happened at about 11:05 p.m. on Thursday in the Wimberley area, about 40 miles southwest of Austin, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety and Hays County officials. The FAA said the aircraft was a Cessna 421C.
Sgt. Billy Ray with the Texas Department of Public Safety said all five people on board were killed, including one pilot and four passengers. He also confirmed that the plane caught fire after the crash.
The Amarillo Pickleball Club identified the victims as Seren Wilson, Brooke Skypala, Stacy Hedrick, Glen Appling and Hayden Dillard. The club said they were members of its “Amarillo pickleball family” and were traveling to a pickleball tournament when the crash happened.
“Today, the Club has received terrible news that we all must mourn in the loss of five members of our Amarillo pickleball family,” the club said in a statement. “Please keep their precious families in your thoughts and prayers.”
Fire and EMS personnel remained at the crash site through the early morning hours, according to Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. Preliminary information indicated the aircraft was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of impact.
Becerra said there was no indication of a mid-air collision. A second aircraft that was flying nearby landed safely in New Braunfels, a city northeast of San Antonio.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
From street fairs to cultural celebrations, Austin is packed with action this weekend! Check out the best local spots for free food, live music, and family fun. FOX 7 Austin’s Amanda Salinas shares the details all in the FOX 7 Weekend.
Austin, TX
Austin Shower Glass Expands Custom Shower Glass Services to Meet Growing Demand in Austin, TX
AUSTIN, TX – April 30, 2026 – As residential design trends continue to evolve across Austin, homeowners are placing greater emphasis on modern, functional bathroom spaces. Austin Shower Glass is responding to this shift by expanding its custom shower glass services to support increasing demand for tailored, design-focused glass installations throughout the region.
The growing preference for clean, open bathroom layouts has led to a rise in demand for frameless and custom shower glass solutions. Austin Shower Glass operates within this evolving market by providing installations designed to enhance both visual appeal and everyday usability. The company’s approach aligns with broader industry trends that prioritize minimalism, natural light, and efficient use of space.
As more homeowners in Austin and surrounding areas invest in bathroom upgrades, custom shower glass has become a central feature in modern remodeling projects. Rather than relying on standard designs, many homeowners are choosing solutions that are measured and fabricated specifically for their spaces, allowing for greater flexibility and a more refined finish.
Within this context, Austin Shower Glass offers services that include custom shower glass installation, shower glass replacement, and tailored glass solutions for a wide range of bathroom layouts. Each project is approached with attention to detail, focusing on precise measurements, secure installation, and long-term performance.
“Homeowners today are prioritizing both design and functionality when upgrading their bathrooms,” said a company representative. “Custom shower glass allows for a more personalized solution that enhances the overall feel of the space while supporting daily use.”
Austin’s continued population growth and ongoing residential development have contributed to increased demand for modern interior upgrades, including custom glass installations. Austin Shower Glass serves this demand by delivering professional shower glass solutions tailored to the needs of homeowners across the area.
For more information about custom shower glass services in Austin, TX, visit https://austinshowerglass.com/ or click here to get directions.
About Austin Shower Glass
Austin Shower Glass is an Austin, Texas-based company specializing in custom shower glass installation, shower glass replacement, and modern glass solutions for residential spaces. The company focuses on delivering high-quality, precision-based installations designed to enhance both functionality and design.
Media Contact
Company Name: Austin Shower Glass
Contact Person: Stefan F.
Email: Send Email
Phone: +17374653141
Address:12600 Hill Country Blvd R-275
City: Bee Cave
State: Texas
Country: United States
Website: https://austinshowerglass.com/
-
New Hampshire2 minutes agoState investigation highlights communication lapses over proposed ICE facility in Merrimack
-
New Jersey8 minutes agoNewark man arrested in fatal New Jersey Chick-Fil-A shooting
-
New Mexico14 minutes agoMassive Landspout Caught On Camera In New Mexico | Weather.com
-
North Dakota26 minutes agoCase of measles reported in western North Dakota county
-
Ohio32 minutes agoGovernor DeWine announces Ohio sales tax holiday
-
Oklahoma38 minutes agoFive Sooners Who Need to Have a Big Summer for Oklahoma
-
Oregon44 minutes agoFederal agents to investigate after explosives found in Oregon vehicle crash that killed 1
-
Rhode Island56 minutes ago50 kids who’ve survived cancer to walk the runway at annual RI gala