AUSTIN, Texas—Singer, songwriter, satirist, and novelist Kinky Friedman, who led the alt-country band Texas Jewboys, toured with Bob Dylan, sang with Willie Nelson, and dabbled in politics with campaigns for Texas governor and other statewide offices, has died.
Mr. Friedman, 79, died Thursday at his family’s Texas ranch near San Antonio, close friend Kent Perkins told The Associated Press. Mr. Friedman had suffered from Parkinson’s disease for several years, Mr. Perkins said.
“He died peacefully,” said Mr. Perkins, who was working as an actor when he met Mr. Friedman at a party 50 years ago when both were signed to Columbia records and movie contracts.
In 2006, Mr. Friedman ran for governor as an independent in a five-way race that included incumbent Republican Rick Perry. Mr. Friedman launched his campaign against the backdrop of the Alamo.
Mr. Perry won reelection in 2006, and Mr. Friedman finished last. He did not give up politics, however, and unsuccessfully ran for state agriculture commissioner as a Democrat in 2010 and 2014.
Born in Chicago, Richard Samet Friedman grew up in Texas. The family’s Echo Hill ranch where Mr. Friedman died ran a camp for children of parents killed serving in the military.
Funeral services were pending, Mr. Perkins said.
