Kinky Friedman. Photo: Brian Kanof
Kinky Friedman, noted for his satirical, comedy country songs, has died at age 79.
The flamboyant entertainer sang “They Ain’t Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore,” “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed,” “Homo Erectus” and similarly outrageous, humorous fare. Although never an outstanding commercial success, he was widely known and critically acclaimed.
He was born Richard Friedman in Chicago, but was raised in Texas. After serving in the Peace Corps in Borneo, he devoted himself to a music career. In 1971, he formed his band The Texas Jewboys and attempted to crack the recording industry in Los Angeles. After failing there, he relocated to Nashville and was embraced by the city’s “outlaw” country crowd.
Chuck Glaser of The Glaser Brothers produced his debut LP, Sold American. Commander Cody took it to Vanguard Records, who issued it in 1973. The following year, Friedman signed with ABC Records to release his Kinky Friedman LP. Like its predecessor, it was a critical success but a commercial failure.
Friedman toured with Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue in 1975-76. Dubbing himself “The Kinkster,” he became a prominent fixture of the alt-country scene in Austin, Texas.
His third album was Lasso From El Paso, issued by Epic Records in 1976. Ringo Starr, Dr. John, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and Roger McGuinn made guest appearances. The record underscored the fact that he was adept with heartfelt, melodic songs as well as the ribald comedy that made him famous. This was also borne out via “Marilyn and Joe,” “People Who Read People Magazine” and other tunes on his 1983 collection, Under the Double Ego. It was recorded in Austin and released on the city’s independent label, Sunrise Records.
He continued to make witty, newsworthy music, notably at his weekly residency at New York Lone Star Cafe in the 1980s. But beginning in 1986, he became an author, publishing a string of 18 successful mystery novels. He also had a long-running column in Texas Monthly.
Then he turned to politics, running unsuccessfully for Justice of the Peace as a Republican in Kerr County, Texas in 1986. Undeterred, he ran as an independent for Governor of Texas in 2006, calling for the legalization of gambling, marijuana and same-sex marriage. He also ran for State Agricultural Commissioner in 2010 and 2014.
Despite or because of being politically incorrect and wildly irreverent, Friedman became regarded as a cultural treasure in the Lone Star State. He toured with Billy Joe Shaver and issued more than a dozen albums over the next 30 years.
He and Nashville singer-songwriter Kacey Jones formed the Kinkajou Records label. She produced a 1998 tribute record on Kinkajou titled Pearls In the Snow: The Songs of Kinky Friedman. It featured Dwight Yoakam, Guy Clark, Delbert McClinton, Marty Stuart, Asleep at the Wheel, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Lee Roy Parnell, Billy Swan and others singing his best-known songs.
A second tribute record appeared in 2006. Titled Why the Hell Not: The Songs of Kinky Friedman, it was recorded by Austin music stars. Charlie Robison issued a single from the collection, “Wild Man From Borneo.”
In recent years, Friedman and his sister ran an animal shelter at their family’s Texas ranch, Echo Hill. They also turned the property into a summer camp for the children of parents who died serving in the military or as first responders.
Kinky Friedman passed away on June 27 at Echo Hill, which is outside Medina, Texas. He died of Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his sister Marcie Friedman and his brother Roger Friedman.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville, Texas, which is also handling funeral arrangements (728 Jefferson Street, Kerrville, TX 78028). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Echo Hill Gold Star Camp.
Elle King To Embark On ‘Baby Daddy’s Weekend Tour’
/by LB CantrellElle King is extending her year on the road with her bold “Baby Daddy’s Weekend Tour.”
Inspired by her new single “Baby Daddy’s Weekend,” the trek kicks off Aug. 30 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Rising duo The Band Loula will open the 30-city run, and Kendell Marvell will also support on select dates.
“If living up to not being America’s sweetheart is my name, then a new Elle King tour is my game. Come on out yonder to my ‘Baby Daddy’s Weekend Tour!'” shares the colorful singer. “No sitter? Bring your kids! Both of you want to come? Couldn’t think of a better place to reconnect! Come blow kisses, laugh, or cry! All emotions are accepted. Let’s all sing at the top of our lungs, together. I can’t wait to see and hear ya!”
Tickets for the “Baby Daddy’s Weekend Tour” are on sale now.
King has already been performing at several fan-favorite festivals this year, including n the Pines in Bristol; The Railbird Festival in Lexington, Kentucky; Tailgates & Tall Boys Festival in Bloomington, Illinois and Stagecoach in Indo, California.
Kelsea Ballerini & Noah Kahan Reunite On ‘Cowboys Cry Too’
/by John Nix ArledgeCover Art: Courtesy of Patrick Tracy and Black River Entertainment
After Grammy nominees Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan teamed up at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards to merge their hits “Mountain With A View” and “Stick Season,” the singer-songwriters decided their chemistry warranted a song of their own.
Soon, the artists, joined by producer/songwriter Alysa Vanderhyem, were crafting a song that blends the ethereal alto of Ballerini with the confessional vocals of Kahan. The track, “Cowboys Cry Too (With Noah Kahan),” aims to showcase the duo’s experience with honesty, love, expectations and letting go.
“In our world and culture and echo chamber of highlight reels and pretty things, sometimes real feelings start to feel like something you just set aside or push down to keep up,” explains Ballerini. “Especially the way so many men grow up, that kind of toxic masculinity mindset of ‘saddle up, brush it off.’ I wanted to write my perspective and essentially celebrate the vulnerable men in my life, and Noah adding his really unfiltered perspective into it just brought it to life in a more meaningful and beautiful way.”
Kahan adds, “It’s the writers who are willing to go to the awkward places that inspire me. Kelsea is one of those, and I knew if we could find something we both believed to sing, it would expand how we look at the way we live, what society decides and we should reject. ‘Cowboys Cry Too’ is everything I believed our collaboration could be.”
The star-studded track, arriving today (June 28), was co-produced by Ballerini and Vanderheym in Nashville, with Kahan’s vocal produced by Gabe Simon. The song also features lead electric guitar from John Osborne of Brothers Osborne.
Country Iconoclast Kinky Friedman Dies
/by Robert K OermannKinky Friedman. Photo: Brian Kanof
Kinky Friedman, noted for his satirical, comedy country songs, has died at age 79.
The flamboyant entertainer sang “They Ain’t Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore,” “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed,” “Homo Erectus” and similarly outrageous, humorous fare. Although never an outstanding commercial success, he was widely known and critically acclaimed.
He was born Richard Friedman in Chicago, but was raised in Texas. After serving in the Peace Corps in Borneo, he devoted himself to a music career. In 1971, he formed his band The Texas Jewboys and attempted to crack the recording industry in Los Angeles. After failing there, he relocated to Nashville and was embraced by the city’s “outlaw” country crowd.
Chuck Glaser of The Glaser Brothers produced his debut LP, Sold American. Commander Cody took it to Vanguard Records, who issued it in 1973. The following year, Friedman signed with ABC Records to release his Kinky Friedman LP. Like its predecessor, it was a critical success but a commercial failure.
Friedman toured with Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue in 1975-76. Dubbing himself “The Kinkster,” he became a prominent fixture of the alt-country scene in Austin, Texas.
His third album was Lasso From El Paso, issued by Epic Records in 1976. Ringo Starr, Dr. John, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and Roger McGuinn made guest appearances. The record underscored the fact that he was adept with heartfelt, melodic songs as well as the ribald comedy that made him famous. This was also borne out via “Marilyn and Joe,” “People Who Read People Magazine” and other tunes on his 1983 collection, Under the Double Ego. It was recorded in Austin and released on the city’s independent label, Sunrise Records.
He continued to make witty, newsworthy music, notably at his weekly residency at New York Lone Star Cafe in the 1980s. But beginning in 1986, he became an author, publishing a string of 18 successful mystery novels. He also had a long-running column in Texas Monthly.
Then he turned to politics, running unsuccessfully for Justice of the Peace as a Republican in Kerr County, Texas in 1986. Undeterred, he ran as an independent for Governor of Texas in 2006, calling for the legalization of gambling, marijuana and same-sex marriage. He also ran for State Agricultural Commissioner in 2010 and 2014.
Despite or because of being politically incorrect and wildly irreverent, Friedman became regarded as a cultural treasure in the Lone Star State. He toured with Billy Joe Shaver and issued more than a dozen albums over the next 30 years.
He and Nashville singer-songwriter Kacey Jones formed the Kinkajou Records label. She produced a 1998 tribute record on Kinkajou titled Pearls In the Snow: The Songs of Kinky Friedman. It featured Dwight Yoakam, Guy Clark, Delbert McClinton, Marty Stuart, Asleep at the Wheel, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Lee Roy Parnell, Billy Swan and others singing his best-known songs.
A second tribute record appeared in 2006. Titled Why the Hell Not: The Songs of Kinky Friedman, it was recorded by Austin music stars. Charlie Robison issued a single from the collection, “Wild Man From Borneo.”
In recent years, Friedman and his sister ran an animal shelter at their family’s Texas ranch, Echo Hill. They also turned the property into a summer camp for the children of parents who died serving in the military or as first responders.
Kinky Friedman passed away on June 27 at Echo Hill, which is outside Medina, Texas. He died of Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his sister Marcie Friedman and his brother Roger Friedman.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville, Texas, which is also handling funeral arrangements (728 Jefferson Street, Kerrville, TX 78028). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Echo Hill Gold Star Camp.
Clint Black, Carly Pearce, More Among ‘All For The Hall Dallas’ Lineup
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled the lineup for the “All For The Hall Dallas” benefit, which supports the museum’s education initiatives, such as its flagship Words & Music program.
Midland will kick off the two-day event with a performance on Monday, Sept. 9 during a Patron Party at the home of Honorary Co-Chairs Anne and Steve Stodghill. Previously-announced performer Vince Gill is no longer able to attend. On Tuesday Sept. 10, the benefit will feature Clint Black, Carly Pearce, Scotty McCreery and Robert Earl Keen in a Nashville-style “guitar pull” at Gilley’s Dallas.
This marks the second time “All For The Hall” will be held in Dallas. This year’s leaders include Chairs Lisa Arpey and Vikram Agrawal, Production Partner Carri Hyde as well as Troubadour Dallas Ambassadors Co-Chairs Annabel Morgan and Emily Hyde.
For more information, click here.
ACM Elevates Tommy Moore Among More Promotions & Additions
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Tommy Moore, Kris Reyes, Jesse Knutson and Haley Montgomery
The Academy of Country Music has made several promotions and new hires across various departments.
Tommy Moore has been promoted to Chief of Staff & VP, Industry Relations & Awards. Moore, who most recently served as Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance, will continue leading artist communication and engagement, overseeing DEI initiatives and managing ACM events and membership operations.
Kris Reyes now serves as Senior Director, Finance, Operations, and HR. The El Paso, Texas native will continue to improve processes, lead HR efforts and help further implement and identify opportunities under CEO Damon Whiteside.
Jesse Knutson is now Director, Publicity & Media Relations. In his new role, Knutson will continue to lead publicity and media relations efforts for the Academy of Country Music including promotional campaigns for the ACM Awards, Academy initiatives, programs and events and ACM Lifting Lives philanthropic work. Knutson reports to Rory Levine, Vice President, Marketing and Digital Strategy & Engagement.
Haley Montgomery has been promoted to Director, Industry Relations & Awards. She will work to ensure a strong connection between ACM and the music industry while overseeing various award processes and membership initiatives. Montgomery will report to Moore.
Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Davis, Brittany Uhniat, Katie Casserly, Maggie Feyrer and Delaney Loughran
Jennifer Davis has been elevated to Senior Manager, Events. In her new role, Davis will continue to manage venue logistics and event operations for the ACM Awards and Academy of Country Music Honors events as well as report to Ben Carter, VP of Live Events & Production.
Brittany Uhniat has been promoted to Manager, Content & Creative Production. Reporting to Steve Mekler, Director of Creative & Content Production, Uhniat will assist in scheduling and managing video shoots and other content productions.
New hires include Katie Casserly as Coordinator, Social Media, who will support the Marketing department with media development and community engagement; Maggie Feyrer as Coordinator, Strategic Partnerships, who will manage and activate partnerships for the Academy and Delaney Loughran as Assistant, Industry Relations & Awards, who will assist in industry communications, relations, memberships and more.
The above team members’ emails are below:
– Tommy Moore: tommy@acmcountry.com
– Kris Reyes: kris@acmcountry.com
– Jesse Knutson: jesse@acmcountry.com
– Haley Montgomery: haleym@acmcountry.com
– Jennifer Davis: jennifer.davis@acmcountry.com
– Brittany Uhniat: brittany@acmcountry.com
– Katie Casserly: katie.casserly@acmcountry.com
– Maggie Feyrer: maggie.feyerer@acmcountry.com
– Delaney Loughran: delaney@acmcountry.com
Patrick Farr Joins WHY&HOW With Client Sophia Scott
/by Liza AndersonPatrick Farr & Sophia Scott
Patrick Farr has joined full-service artist management and music company WHY&HOW alongside client Sophia Scott, who he will continue to manage under the WHY&HOW roster.
Farr lived in Los Angeles for over a decade before relocating to Nashville last year. He most recently spent almost six years at his own company, Revelator Management, and another six at Philymack prior that. Farr brings an abundance of industry knowledge to WHY&HOW, having worked with talent such as Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, DNCE and Bea Miller.
“Not only does Patrick bring immense experience, but a fitting addition to our roster in Sophia Scott,” says Bruce Kalmick, WHY&HOW Founder & CEO. “I’ve been a fan of Patrick’s work ethic and savvy approach to artist development for a long time—we look forward to having him jump in with our team.”
Scott is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has amassed more than 120 million career streams to date. The Boulder, Colorado native found early success with singles like 2018’s “She Ain’t Me” and 2019’s “Drink Too Much Wine.” In 2021, Scott opened for the Jonas Brothers and was named an emerging artist by People Magazine. She delivered her debut EP, One Of These Days, in 2022, and released her full-length debut album, Barstool Confessions, via Empire in 2023. Scott made her Grand Ole Opry debut the night the project was released.
She was named one of Pandora Country’s 2024 Artists To Watch, and recently performed at the inaugural Cattle Country Festival, co-created by Kalmick, in Gonzales, Texas. Additionally, Scott plans to support Niko Moon on his “These Are The Days Tour” this fall.
“I’m excited to work with Bruce and the WHY&HOW team, and thrilled Sophia is joining the roster as well,” shares Farr. “WHY&HOW’s unique approach to artist development and the business overall is a huge draw, and I look forward to tapping into the company’s larger team as we continue to cultivate Sophia’s career.”
Keith Urban’s New Album ‘High’ On Tap For September
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban‘s first album in nearly four years, High, is set to drop on Sept. 20 via Capitol Records Nashville.
The intentionally sequenced project touches on themes of what it is to be alive and the human connection, cutting loose, hope, nostalgia and straight-up fun, with some personal life revelations thrown in along the way.
“What makes you ‘high’ can mean whatever you want it to mean,” says Urban. “It might be physical, spiritual, herbal, meditative, chemical or musical, but it’s definitely a place of utopia. For me it’s my family, my friends, and this rollercoaster musical journey I’m on. Playing guitar, writing songs and the place where I always feel high—playing live. Every night I get a chance to bring an energy and a release to people.”
Urban points out that with highs, come lows, which came for him in 2022.
“At the time I was on tour. I’d do a concert, go back to Nashville to record, do a concert, and come back to record, and over again. So, I thought I’d call the album 615. That’d keep me on track—focused and disciplined,” he says. “There was no continuity. The songs didn’t work well together. I learned that what I thought was a framework to create within, turned out to be musically limiting.”
He’s releasing the new song, “Wildside,” from the album now. The good-time party tune is loosely based on Joan Cusack’s character in the movie The School of Rock. The song’s release follows the tracks “Straight Line,” “Go Home W U” with Lainey Wilson and High’s current radio single “Messed Up as Me.”
High Track Listing:
1. “Blue Sky” (intro)
2. “Straight Line” (Keith Urban, Jerry Flowers, Chase McGill, Greg Wells)
3. “Messed Up as Me” (Rodney Clawson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Lotten, Shane McAnally)
4. “Wildside” (Keith Urban, Ernest, David Garcia, Ashley Gorley)
5. “Go Home W U (With Lainey Wilson)” (Keith Urban, Breland, Sean Small, Sam Sumser)
6. “Chuck Taylors” (Keith Urban, Jerry Flowers, Chase McGill, Greg Wells)
7. “Daytona” (Nathan Barlowe, Steven Lee Olsen)
8. “Love Is Hard” (Eren Cannata, Shane McAnally, Justin Tranter)
9. “Heart Like a Hometown” (Casey Brown, Matt Roy, Parker Welling)
10. “Laughin’ All the Way to the Drank” (Keith Urban, Ben Burgess, Terence F. Clark, Mike Elizondo)
11. “Dodge in a Silverado” (Thomas Archer, Ben Stennis, Michael Tyler)
12. “Break the Chain” (Keith Urban, Marc Scibilia)
Post Malone Notches Third Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Chart With ‘I Had Some Help’
/by John Nix ArledgePost Malone holds the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart again this week with “I Had Some Help” featuring Morgan Wallen, marking the song’s third week at the top.
“I Had Some Help” comes from Post’s upcoming album, F-1 Trillion, and was written by Post, Wallen, Ernest, Louis Bell, Ashley Gorely, Hoskins, Charlie Handsome and Chandler Paul Walters.
Along with his album, Post recently announced the “F-1 Trillion Tour.” Kicking off Sept. 8 in Salt Lake City, the 21-show journey will wrap at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on Oct. 19.
“I Had Some Help” currently sits at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 2 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Industry Ink: Musicians On Call, CMT, Becky Parsons, Joseph Habedank
/by Madison HahnenMarcel Pariseau and Sam Hollander Join MOC’s National Board Of Directors
Marcel Pariseau & Sam Hollander.
Musicians On Call has added Marcel Pariseau and Sam Hollander to its national Board of Directors.
Pariseau is the Co-Owner of True Public Relations where he works with icons such as Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Bell, Dolly Parton, Wynonna Judd and more. Hollander is an award-winning songwriter with cuts from Panic! at the Disco, One Direction, Train, Katy Perry, Fitz & The Tantrums, Carole King, Ringo Starr, Aloe Blacc, Goo Goo Dolls, Kelly Rowland, Matt Nathanson, O.A.R. and others.
“Marcel Pariseau and Sam Hollander have made lasting marks on music culture through their respective careers, and their charitable nature has already significantly boosted Musicians On Call’s mission of bringing the healing power of music to those in need. We are incredibly grateful to both of them for now bringing their leadership to our National Board of Directors,” shares Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “Marcel’s visionary guidance and Sam’s unparalleled creativity will be invaluable assets as we work to expand our programs nationwide. Their commitment to our cause resonates deeply, and we look forward to their continued support in making an even greater impact on the lives of individuals facing health challenges.”
CMT Shines A Light On Rising Artists With City Winery Showcase
Members of the CMT Listen Up Showcase with CMT’s Leslie Fram. Photo: Collette Badora
CMT welcomed the latest group of rising country artists with its “CMT Listen Up” showcase at City Winery on Tuesday night (June 25). Among those to perform were Alana Springsteen, Catie Offerman, Chayce Beckham, Dalton Dover, Fancy Hagood, Jake Worthington, Jordyn Shellhart and Madeline Edwards. CMT’s Leslie Fram and country singer Hannah Ellis hosted the evening.
Sponsored by Change The Conversation, The Change Agent·cy and Porter’s Call, the CMT Listen Up program showcases rising artists to watch with members named annually and given full cross-brand support for their music and videos across CMT and various Paramount properties.
Becky Parsons Launches Found Sound Media
Becky Parsons. Photo: Sam Wiseman/BLK Creative
Becky Parsons has launched her new public relations and artist management company, Found Sound Media. Parsons was most recently Director of Publicity and Branding for PLA Media, was selected as part of the Equal Access 2024 cohort and is on the Board of Directors for SOLID. Her new company will offer a wide range of services including media relations, brand strategy, artist management, event coordination and more.
“I am dedicated to amplifying authentic voices in country music, with a special focus on representing LGBTQ+ and female artists,” shares Parsons. “Our mission is to create a platform where each voice is heard and celebrated. By leveraging extensive experience in publicity, branding and artist management, we aim to secure prominent media exposure and foster meaningful connections within the music community.”
Reach Parsons at becky@foundsound.us.
Joseph Habedank Renews With Daywind Records
Pictured (L-R): Dusty Wells, Joseph Habedank and Ed Leonard.
Joseph Habedank has renewed his record deal with Daywind Records. Since originally joining the label, Habedank has nabbed two Grammy nominations, three GMA Dove Award wins and six Singing News Soloist of the Year wins.
“Daywind is not just a record label to me. They are family. After being on their roster for more than two decades now, it made perfect sense for me to re-sign with them,” says Habedank. They signed me to my first record deal as a solo artist when I was only 6 months out of rehab, and I will never forget the chance they took on me. I am so grateful to Ed Leonard, Dottie Leonard, Dusty Wells, and the entire Daywind team for taking a chance on me yet again. The best is yet to come.”
Lucinda Williams, Ashley McBryde, More Support Third Annual VetFest
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley McBryde performs during the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s third annual VetFest. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Bob Woodruff Foundation
The Bob Woodruff Foundation hosted its third annual VetFest event this past weekend at the Skydeck on Broadway in Nashville.
Pictured (L–R): Dave Woodruff, Maddie Font, Tae Kerr and Anne Marie Dougherty at the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s third annual VetFest. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Bob Woodruff Foundation
The free, family-friendly function for the local military and veteran community featured performances by Lucinda Williams, Ashley McBryde, Maddie & Tae and Michael Warren. Former Tennessee Titans player Blaine Bishop was also on hand to raffle off a signed Titans football. The event also included an activation from the Bob Woodruff Foundation Gaming Initiative and a raffle of guitars signed by Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Luke Bryan and more.
Additionally, VetFest connected attendees with local organizations that are part of the Bob Woodruff Foundation Got Your 6 Network to give them the opportunity to learn more about the resources and programs dedicated to supporting veterans, service members and their families in the Nashville area. Participating organizations included CreatiVets, Memories of Honor, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, Operation Song, Operation Stand Down Tennessee and Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone. These partners offer services that are accessible to over 500,000 veterans and uniformed service members in the state of Tennessee.