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.
George Strait & Keith Urban Among Those To Receive Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star
/by Liza AndersonGeorge Strait (Photo: Peggy Sirota) & Keith Urban
George Strait and Keith Urban are among those set to be honored with a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Steven Nissen announced the honorees in a live press conference on Monday (June 24) with Walk of Famers Niecy Nash, Joe Mantegna and Jimmy Jam. The Chamber’s Walk of Fame Selection Panel selected the new star recipients, who were then ratified by its Board of Directors.
Other music creators slated to be recognized include Fantasia, Depeche Mode, Los Bukis, The B-52s, Green Day, The Isley Brothers, Busta Rhymes, WAR and the late Prince.
Each honoree will have two years to schedule their ceremony before their selection expires.
Post Malone, Jordan Davis, More Support 15th Annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp
/by Lorie HollabaughAlex Hall and campers receiving standing ovation after Grand Ole Opry performance. Photo: Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives/Terry Wyatt
ACM Lifting Lives recently hosted its 15th Annual Music Camp with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, a week-long residential program for musically-talented individuals with Williams Syndrome.
ACM Lifting Lives funds the costs of the camp, in addition to providing scholarships to several campers, enabling the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to advance its mission of improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through research, training and service. 30 campers with Williams Syndrome from across the U.S. participated in a full slate of personalized activities.
Tiera Kennedy visiting with campers at Ocean Way Studio during the recording of “Find the Sunshine.” Photo: Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives/Terry Wyatt
The camp serves a dual purpose of studying the rare genetic condition, while also providing music enrichment through performance and education. Throughout the week, campers went behind-the-scenes in the country music community and took part in exclusive opportunities with some of Nashville’s most established musicians and rising talent, including Ross Copperman, Dasha, Jordan Davis, Russell Dickerson, Ernest, Alex Hall, Caylee Hammack, Tiera Kennedy, Post Malone, Conner Smith and more.
This year, campers began the week by co-writing a song called “Find the Sunshine” with Copperman, Dickerson and J.T. Harding. They then recorded the new tune with the help of Kennedy, Copperman and Harding at Ocean Way Nashville before wrapping their week by performing it live on the Grand Ole Opry stage alongside Alex Hall and earning a standing ovation from the crowd.
Davis joined the campers at Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where they stepped into the role of radio DJ, asking Davis curated questions that were broadcast throughout the hospital. Smith played songs and held a casual Q&A with campers at The Bluebird Cafe, and Hammack united with them for a night of karaoke at Loser’s Bar & Grill, where they were joined by surprise guests Post Malone and Ernest.
“Hosting this camp is truly the highlight of the year for everyone involved, including the campers and those volunteering and doing the research,” says Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director, and Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives Sr. Manager & Music Camp Lead. “This camp allows our partners at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to conduct important research on Williams Syndrome, all while providing campers with an experience they’ll never forget. The artists, songwriters and venues in Nashville who donate their time to this amazing summer camp are the ones who make this research and fulfilling experience for campers possible, and we thank them for their positive energy and excitement.
Brandon Lake Signs With UTA
/by Liza AndersonBrandon Lake. Photo: John Castillo
Singer-songwriter Brandon Lake has signed with UTA.
Last month, Lake co-hosted the 11th annual K-Love Fan Awards and took home two trophies. He has also earned five Grammy Awards as well as multiple GMA Dove Awards over the course of his career.
“We are wildly impressed with how Lake is changing the game for Christian artists, and are thrilled to welcome him to the UTA family,” says Matthew Morgan, UTA Partner & Nashville Co-Head.
“I am thrilled to be working with UTA and their talented team,” shares Lake. “Their passion and expertise align perfectly with my vision for my music and ministry. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”
He recently wrapped a sold-out 20-city tour across the nation, and plans to partner with Phil Wickham for their second “Summer Worship Nights” run, which will visit arenas in 17 markets. Additionally, Lake is set to host a special stripped-down, one-night-only show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 30.
Sam Williams Releases ‘Act I: Scarlet Lonesome’
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Williams. Photo: Alexa King
Sam Williams‘ new album, Act I: Scarlet Lonesome, is out now.
The project marks his first full album in three years since the arrival of his debut collection, Glasshouse Children. Act I begins with the song and title track, and includes “I Was Home,” “Siren Song,” “Run Away” and more. Williams teased this chapter with “American Actress” from the new collection, and gave audiences an initial taste of Act I: Scarlet Lonesome by sharing his duet with Carter Faith “’Til I Can Make It On My Own,” which has already amassed nearly half a million streams.
“I’m excited to introduce you to Act I: Scarlet Lonesome,” says Williams. “Fear is the mother of foresight, I’ve found. We can be afraid of love, to love or be loved, we can be afraid of the future, or to let go of the past. This music encapsulates some of my life and some of my dreams. I am honored for my words and voice to get to live in your worlds, too. I’m scarlet lonesome, too. I hope these seven songs find you well. Your destiny is written, there’s nothing to be afraid of anymore.”
Earlier this spring, Williams unveiled “Carnival Heart” as the official anthem for the new country-themed Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville show, Songblazers: A Journey Into Country Music. He’ll embark on a European headline tour this September.
Act I: Scarlet Lonesome Track List:
1. “Scarlet Lonesome” (Sam Williams, Ben Roberts, Nathan Sexton)
2. “I Was Home” (Sam Williams, Audra Mae, Mary Gauthier)
3. “Heard Mary Jane Praying For Me” (Nathan Sexton, Ben Roberts)
4. “Runaway” (Sam Williams, Ben Roberts, Nathan Sexton)
5. “American Actress” (Emily Nemmers, Greg Becker)
6. “Siren Song” (Sam Williams, Ben Roberts, Nathan Sexton)
7. “‘Til I Can Make It On My Own” feat. Carter Faith (Tammy Wynette, George Richey, Billy Sherrill)
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.”