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Kinky Friedman: A Legacy of Laughter and Lyrics
To say that Kinky Friedman was a multi-life figure who was famous for his quick wit and bold Texas chutzpah is an understatement, but it is where we will begin.
A unique voice has been lost to the country music and literature worlds. On June 26, 2024, at the age of 79½, the cigar-chomping, irreverent troubadour, and author Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman passed away. To say that Kinky Friedman was a multi-life figure who was famous for his quick wit and bold Texas chutzpah is an understatement, but it is where we will begin.
The Friedman family relocated from Chicago to Houston not long after Friedman’s 1944 birth to run Echo Hill Ranch, a summer camp that Kinky would call home for the rest of his life. He had an innate curiosity for the unknown and a thirst for adventure throughout his youth. He went to University of Texas at Austin to study psychology, then joined the Peace Corps and went to Borneo, where he had an experience that would change his perspective on life and his art.
After forming Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys in Nashville in the early 1970s, Friedman’s music career took off. Many have likened his band—a country group with a social conscience—to the twisted offspring of Bob Wills and Lenny Bruce. His fearless and innovative 1973 album “Sold American” cemented his reputation as an outlaw country artist.
He championed irreverence and lampooned Southern small-mindedness in his daring and sarcastic songs. Also, they mirrored the man’s complicated character; they were amazing. Fans and fellow musicians alike were won over by Kinky’s music for its combination of heart and comedy. Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan were among his closest companions, and he was a friend of presidents and icons as well as a composer par excellence.
“Musicians can run this state better than politicians. We won’t get a lot done in the mornings, but we’ll work late and be honest.”
Kinky was talented in more than just music, though. He contributed to Texas Monthly as a columnist and wrote detective novels in his spare time. His political career was just as eventful as his musical and literary ones. With his eccentric and funny campaign slogans, he captured the interest of many in 2006 when he conducted a longshot campaign for governor of Texas, with the campaign slogan “Why The Hell Not?”
For all the people whose lives Kinky Friedman impacted, his loss is a cause for contemplation. Not only will his music and writings live on, but so will the joy he spread via his infectious sense of humor. Despite experiencing immense suffering and grievance in recent years, his wit and determination persisted right up until the end.
We honour Kinky Friedman’s lasting impact on country music, literature, and the lives of his fans and acquaintances even as we grieve his passing. People will keep reading his books, singing his songs, and cherishing his memories. According to his close friend Kent Perkins, “in a peaceful corner of paradise there is a large, comfortable chair, a well-lit floor lamp, a collection of biographies, and a couple of elderly dogs tail-wagging to the subtle aroma of cigar smoke”.
The world lost some of its vibrancy when Kinky Friedman trod on a rainbow. His uniqueness and the joy he brought to others via his music will live on in the hearts of listeners for years to come.
The life of Kinky Friedman was a vibrant tapestry adorned with melodies, lyrics, and an unwavering zeal for living. While we say our goodbyes to the Kinkster, may his legacy continue on throughout country music and beyond via the songs and recollections that we cherish.
Australian honky tonk troubadour James Ellis has delivered a gem with his latest album, The Party Might Be Over. Packed with sharp storytelling and genuine emotion, Ellis brings his signature blend of wit and heart to this record, capturing the essence of honky tonk while giving it his own unique twist. Recorded remotely between Melbourne and Nashville during the pandemic, this album is a testament to Ellis’s dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt and thrive even in challenging times.
Ellis’s voice is at its finest in Lonely, Sad and Blue, one of the standout tracks on the album. It’s a soulful exploration of heartache that channels the spirit of classic honky tonk but with a modern sensitivity. Ellis’s rich, emotive voice brings out the raw pain in the lyrics, while the subtle twang of steel guitar gives the song a timeless feel. It’s the kind of track that feels both intimate and universal—a tune that makes you want to drown your sorrows in a dimly lit bar, yet find solace in knowing you’re not alone in your heartache.
Another highlight is the cheeky Don’t Drink By Yourself (If You Can’t Be Drunk Alone), a honky tonk anthem with a wink. The song combines clever, playful lyrics with an infectious rhythm, creating a tune that’s both entertaining and oddly comforting. It’s a lighthearted reminder not to take life too seriously, with an upbeat energy that’s impossible to resist. The rhythm section, recorded by some of Nashville’s top talent, drives this track with precision, adding to its barroom charm. This song is honky tonk at its best—fun, relatable, and brimming with personality.
Producer Micah Hulscher, known for his work with top Nashville acts, deserves immense credit for shaping the album’s sound. Hulscher brought together a stellar lineup of Nashville musicians, including legends like Fats Kaplin, Chris Scruggs, and Lillie Mae, who added their own magic to Ellis’s songs. Recorded at the legendary Creative Workshop Studios in Nashville, the album has a warm, rich sound that makes it feel like a live honky tonk performance, even though it was recorded remotely. The musicianship on each track is flawless, supporting Ellis’s storytelling with nuanced, heartfelt instrumentation.
The Party Might Be Over marks a significant evolution for James Ellis since his previous album, Country Lion. While Country Lion showcased his talent and raw potential, this new album feels more polished, more intentional, and more self-assured. Ellis has refined his voice and his storytelling, creating songs that are both relatable and timeless. He’s moved beyond the role of honky tonk storyteller to become a true artist, delivering songs that feel authentic and memorable.
In The Party Might Be Over, James Ellis has crafted an album that celebrates the highs and lows of life with humor, heart, and a whole lot of soul. It’s a must-listen for fans of honky tonk and classic country, and a promising indication of even greater things to come from this talented Australian singer-songwriter.
Listen to the Country HQ Spotlight On Podcast with James Ellis.
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REVIEW: Barely Blue – Midland
A showcase for Midland’s skill in fusing classic country elements with contemporary sensibilities, “Barely Blue”—produced by the legendary Dave Cobb—contributes to the band’s unified and introspective discography.
A showcase for Midland’s skill in fusing classic country elements with contemporary sensibilities, “Barely Blue”—produced by the legendary Dave Cobb—contributes to the band’s unified and introspective discography.
Song number one on the album, “Lucky Sometimes,” establishes the mood for the whole thing. The album’s profound lyrics and powerful emotional resonance are brought to light by the song’s spare production, which lets the band’s harmonies sing out. Embracing serendipity and the bittersweetness of life’s unexpected twists and turns, the lyrics, “Sometimes, you just get lucky and you don’t ask why / It’s like falling up to heaven and coming up a seven / Every time you roll the dice,” encapsulate the qualities of the song.
The album’s title tune, “Barely Blue,” is one of its memorable moments. It takes a sombre, contemplative look at loss and perseverance, drawing on Midland’s long-embraced sound that was influenced by George Strait. with crisp and interwoven harmonies give the song a deeper meaning, which is both sad and hopeful. Like the rest of the album, this song showcases Midland’s talent for writing music that sounds as good now as it did decades ago.
With its beautiful guitar intro and heartwarming promise of new love, “Better Than A Memory” is another standout. With its upbeat tempo, catchy choruses, and wistful, nostalgic mood, “Vegas” puts a modern spin on the old “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” story .
“Baby It’s You” showcases Midland’s adaptability and desire to explore diverse sounds while the song’s silky vocals and Bee Gees-inspired beat set it apart. The trio’s distinctive harmonies are front and centre on the heartfelt “Old Fashioned Feeling”, setting the mood for a welcoming and comforting listening experience.
“Halfway to Heaven” and “Lone Star State of Mind,” the album’s last two songs, are among its best. “Halfway to Heaven” evokes the music of Waylon Jennings and provides a sparkling slice of country tradition that is at once familiar and new. Mark Wystrach’s powerful lead vocals are on full display in the final track, “Lone Star State of Mind,” a moving and emotionally packed tune. It is one of Midland’s finest songs ever recorded due to its acoustic-driven melody and emotional lyrics.
“Barely Blue” has a few gripes, one of which is its length. There are eight songs on the album, which isn’t very long and leaves listeners wanting more. The album would have felt more finished with a couple of extra tracks, even though the song quality is very excellent. Nevertheless, this small criticism does not diminish the album’s overall influence.
Many consider “Barely Blue” to be the album that really set Midland apart from her peers. With a more mature and contemplative sound that is cohesive and engaging, it is less chaotic than some of their past work. The album delves further into the band’s conventional influences while simultaneously venturing into new musical realms, creating a set of songs that can be played again and again, revealing new nuances and layers with every listen .
On “Barely Blue”, Midland have captured the band’s development as artists and chronicles their journey over the last decade. The album exemplifies Midland’s talent for making music that stands the test of time with its combination of classic country elements and contemporary production. It is layered in emotional depth and complexity, whilst still staying true to the bands signature mature approach to country music.
Country music sensation Tanner Adell is set to make waves this summer with her latest single, “Cowboy Break My Heart”, as the song has quickly become a fan favourite, capturing the essence of heartbreak and resilience with a catchy, upbeat melody.
Adell’s new track is a perfect blend of traditional country and modern pop influences, showcasing her unique style and vocal prowess. Written by Adell along with Akil “Worldwidefresh” King, Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Will Weatherly, and Anthony Germaine White, “Cowboy Break My Heart” tells the story of a love gone wrong, inspired by a past relationship with a Dallas Cowboys fan. The song’s infectious chorus and relatable lyrics make it an instant anthem for anyone who’s ever experienced heartache.
The release of “Cowboy Break My Heart” comes just in time for Adell’s highly anticipated performances at the Ridin’ Hearts festival in Sydney and Melbourne. Fans are eagerly awaiting her live renditions of the new single, which promises to be a highlight of the festival. Adell’s energetic stage presence and powerful vocals are sure to make her performances unforgettable.
Produced by LVRN Records, the single marks a significant milestone in Adell’s career. Her debut performance of the song at the BET Awards earlier this year was met with widespread acclaim, further cementing her status as a rising star in the country music scene.
As Adell prepares to take the stage at Ridin’ Hearts, “Cowboy Break My Heart” is poised to become the soundtrack of the summer, resonating with fans across Australia and beyond. With its blend of heartfelt storytelling and catchy rhythms, the song is a testament to Adell’s talent and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
REVIEW: The Four Seasons – Henry Wagons
REVIEW: Brighter Days – Dwight Yoakam
