Kinky Friedman has led a rich, varied career that defies simple categorization.  Called the “Frank Zappa of country music,” Friedman began his career as a musician in the 1970s.  His humorous songs satirized a variety of subjects, from surf music to anti-Semitism.  He was invited to the Grand Ole Opry and toured with stars such as Bob Dylan.

From there, Friedman made his writing debut.  Some of his most well-known books feature a fictionalized version of himself, embarking on outrageous mystery plots as a Greenwich Village private eye.  A prolific writer, Friedman has written over twenty books.  More recently, his writing has shifted from mystery novels to books that offer advice, wisdom, and humorous (and sometimes outrageous) anecdotes.

In 2006, Friedman ran for governor of Texas, approaching his campaign with the same humor and wit that characterizes the rest of his career.  Running as an independent, Friedman used such slogans as “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy” and promoted the “dewussification” of Texas.  Although he lost the election, he managed to raise more funds than the Democratic nominee, an impressive feat for an independent candidate.  Friedman is currently campaigning for the 2010 Texas gubernatorial election.  Although he plans to run as a Democrat this time, he still retains his independent, “no-nonsense” spirit.