Kinky’s first band, King Arthur & the Carrots, formed at UT, released one record in 1966, parodying surf music. His second band, Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, formed in 1973, and released a self-titled album in 1974. He toured with Bob Dylan and was a musical guest on Season 2 of Saturday Night Live. Over his career, Kinky released 18 albums, with his latest, Circus of Life, in 2018.

In the 1980s, Kinky turned to writing, primarily detective novels featuring fictional versions of himself. His works are known for their humor and charm, blending crime-solving with witty commentary. Kinky wrote a regular column for Texas Monthly from 2001 to 2005 and resumed it in 2008.

Kinky’s legacy as a musician and writer will continue through his books and songs, cherished by fans worldwide.