Performer, activist, provocateur, humorist, politician, author … my fellow Longhorn was unique – and immensely talented.
Leading Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys (named in mocking homage to the western swing band Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys), he impressed audiences but was ignored by record labels.
His songs, always politically incorrect, sometimes ostensibly silly, and occasionally obscene, drove home his points with caustic satire.
Examples:
- Ride ‘Em, Jewboy
- Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed
I was almost twenty years behind Kinky at UT, so I never knew him. In fact, I never saw him perform live, but two of his devotees and acolytes, “Bowley and Wilson,” were my absolute go-to pick for an evening’s entertainment when out-of-town visitors wanted the full Austin experience. My wife and I probably went to their club at least two dozen times. It was the closest one could get to Kinky without actually seeing the real thing.
Losing Martin Mull and Kinky in two days makes a rough start to my vacation week. I’m a Texan, so Kinky is a legend to me. Everyone knows the Kinky Friedman For Governor fad. I also have his old albums that would get him canceled these days. Saw him a few years ago at Poor David’s Pub and I won an auction he held from the stage to raise money for his dog rescue. Prize was a box of Kinky memorabilia, including a T-shirt (small size, unfortunately) and a bottle of his brand of booze. Not being a drinker, I can’t remember what it was, but I still have it in the cabinet somewhere. I’ll hang on to it in his honor.