Kinky Friedman, known for his satirical and often provocative style, has passed away at 79. A post on his social media announced, “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends. Kinkster endured tremendous pain & unthinkable loss in recent years but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit. Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.”
Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman earned a cult following for his unique take on country and Western music. He released numerous albums, starting with “Sold American” in 1973, a record that laid the foundation for his career. Known as the “governor of the heart of Texas,” he even toured with Bob Dylan during the “Rolling Thunder Revue” and made history as the “first full-blooded Jew” to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Apart from his musical endeavors, Friedman was a prolific writer. He wrote detective novels and contributed as a columnist for Texas Monthly. He also ventured into politics, running for Governor of Texas in 2006 with the campaign slogan “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy,” securing 12.6 percent of the votes among six candidates.
Born in Chicago and raised in Texas, Friedman studied psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. His passion for music led him to form King Arthur & the Carrots and later Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. He described the latter as a “country band with a social conscience, a demented love child of Lenny Bruce and Bob Wills.”
Reflecting on his life, Friedman once wrote, “Somewhere in heaven, I’m sure there’s a quiet corner with a big easy chair, a bright floor lamp, a big stack of biographical books, and a few old dogs wagging their tails to the faint smell of cigar smoke.”
Michael Jackson’s Son “Blanket” Debuts New Nickname in Search of New Identity
Michael Jackson’s youngest child, Prince Michael Jackson II, known widely as “Blanket” for many years, made a significant personal decision to change his nickname after more than a decade. Born in 2002 via surrogate, Prince Michael Jackson II earned the nickname “Blanket” due to his father’s habit of covering him with a blanket to shield his identity and maintain privacy.
This nickname followed him throughout his early life, but by 2015, he chose to rebrand himself as “Bigi” Jackson. The decision marked a new chapter in his life, reflecting his desire to move away from the legacy of his childhood nickname.
Although Bigi is the son of one of the most iconic figures in music history, he has shown little interest in following in his father’s musical footsteps. Instead, he has emerged as an advocate for environmental causes, particularly focusing on the pressing issue of climate change. In a 2021 interview, Bigi spoke about his commitment to addressing climate change and the importance of raising awareness about this global challenge.
During the interview, Bigi expressed his admiration for the history and creativity that surrounded his father’s work, while also emphasizing the need to contribute positively to the world. He stated, “That’s what each of us want to do, make some things that people hopefully enjoy but also that benefit their lives.” His passion for climate activism reflects a deep concern for the environment and a sense of responsibility toward future generations.
After the death of Michael Jackson in 2009, Bigi, along with his siblings Prince Michael Jackson I and Paris Jackson, was raised by their grandmother, Katherine Jackson. Today, Bigi lives independently in a mansion in California.
Public reaction to Bigi’s name change and his dedication to climate activism has been overwhelmingly supportive. Many have praised him for his resilience in coping with the loss of his father and for his commitment to making a difference in the world. Supporters have expressed their admiration for his choice to focus on climate change and have wished him well in his endeavors.
Despite his famous lineage, Bigi has openly admitted that he does not possess his father’s talent for singing or dancing. Instead, he is channeling his energy into raising awareness about environmental issues, and encouraging others to take action to combat climate change.
As Bigi Jackson continues to carve out his own path, he remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the world, all while stepping out from the shadow of his father’s legacy.
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