Austin, TX

Richard ‘Kinky’ Friedman dies at 79

Published

2 years ago

June 27, 2024

Press Room

by: Joshua Fechter, Texas Tribune, Emily Foxhall, Texas Tribune

Posted: Jun 27, 2024 / 10:57 AM CDT

Updated: Jun 27, 2024 / 01:11 PM CDT

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.

Kinky Friedman performs onstage at the Ivanhoe Theater on January 21, 1978. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)

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.

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Austin, TX

Rare ‘albino’ bluebonnets discovered in Central Texas state park

Published

7 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Press Room

Rare ‘albino’ bluebonnets discovered in Central Texas state park

AUSTIN (KXAN) — “Albino” bluebonnets were spotted Friday at Inks Lake State Park in Burnet.

Inks Lake said park rangers found the unique bluebonnets beside the park’s headquarters.

Bluebonnets, or Lupinus texensis, in the U.S. are found in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Florida. The species is one of the six Lupinus species that are collectively designated the State Flower of Texas, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Inks Lake Park Rangers Sam and Caleb with “albino” bluebonnets found in Burnet (Inks Lake State Park photo)
“Albino” Bluebonnets found at Texas state park in Burnet (Inks Lake State Park photo)

“This rare variation is the result of a recessive gene that must be carried by both parent plants, so it’s pretty cool to see,” the park said.

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Austin, TX

Texas Relays draws in top athletes to Austin

Published

19 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Press Room

Texas Relays draws in top athletes to Austin

Hemp Rules Tighten – Texas regulators have officially banned intoxicating hemp flower, a move supporters say closes a loophole but critics warn could cripple a billion‑dollar industry. Adam Schwager looks at how retailers are scrambling to adjust, what products remain legal, and why some business owners believe the change will push buyers back toward the illicit market.

State Backs Psychedelic Research – Texas is investing $50 million into clinical trials for ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic some veterans say helped them overcome PTSD and addiction. Dylan McKim examines why the research plan hit a roadblock with private partners, the state’s decision to fully fund the studies, and questions about how much more Texas may need to spend to pursue FDA approval.

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Austin, TX

Austin weather: Storms, gusty winds expected across Central Texas as cold front moves in

Published

1 day ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

Austin weather: Storms, gusty winds expected across Central Texas as cold front moves in

Austin weather: Saturday, April 4, 2026

Storms will make their way into Central Texas Saturday afternoon. Some have the chance to turn severe with gusty winds and the chance of flooding. FOX 7 meteorologist Adaleigh Rowe has the details.

AUSTIN, Texas – A cold front moving through Central Texas is expected to bring scattered storms, gusty winds, and a sharp drop in temperatures Saturday, with conditions improving by Easter Sunday.

Austin Saturday Forecast

The primary threats include wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph and the potential for localized flooding.

The approaching cold front is expected to intensify storms as they move eastward late Saturday morning into the afternoon. Residents are advised to remain weather-aware during this period.

Temperatures, which started in the low 70s Saturday morning, are forecast to drop throughout the day, falling into the 50s and 60s by late afternoon. Strong northerly winds, with gusts up to 30 mph, will continue into Sunday.

Easter Sunday forecast

By Saturday evening, rain chances are expected to diminish, leading to a mostly dry but cloudy and breezy Easter Sunday. Morning temperatures will begin in the 50s, with afternoon highs only reaching the 60s.