Richard "Kinky" Friedman, the Jewish Country Western singer, first captured my attention as a mystery author with "Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola." I wanted to know more about the man who wrote the funny, irreverant stories, that made me laugh out loud. He appeared to be an equal opportunity offender. Probably absent the day society passed out political correct-ness.
So I bought his DVD to hear him sing his country western songs, tell his stories and see his life at the ranch. His music is hard to classify. Here is a longer discussion about it. But for now, suffice to say it's country, but with a twist, with titles like They Ain't Makin Jews like Jesus Anymore. But I also found him on a Polka Album singing with Frankie Yankovic, a song that anyone of Polish/Slovenian decent would recognize-- Who Stole the Kiska? (KEESH-kuh.)
And then I got interested in his politics. Anyone who is friends with Don Imus, Willie Nelson, and BOTH George W. Bush AND Bill Clinton, must have something to say.... and lo and behold-- he runs for Governor of Texas with the slogan "Why the Hell NOT?'
He launched a great internet cartoon campaign. A what? Yes, an internet cartoon campaign....and even his own Action Figure.
Unfortunately he didn't win. Perhaps he is meant for greater things. For now, you can order his Private Stock Salsa from his website, and just wait to see what he does next.
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