Title
Kinky Friedman and His Influence on Jewish American Music
Abstract
Kinky Friedman changed American pop music and Country and Western music’s presentation of Jews. Because of his satirical and counter culture lyrics, the idea that Jews could be Jewish on stage without having to point out they were Jewish was a part of the stage persona that Friedman adopted. His biting lyrics pointed to the derogatory ways that Americans view the other and what he saw as hypocritical Christian values. Additionally, he is set the stage to address painful issues in music, writing and performing the first popular song about the Holocaust. Dubbed the founder of “Redneck Rock” or a leader of “progressive country music,” his influence on music stars who came after him is undoubted, as he opened the door for musicians to be minorities and sing about being minorities.
Department(s)
English
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Recommended Citation
Cohen, Mara W. "Kinky Friedman and His Influence on Jewish American Music." International Journal for the Study of Music and Musical Performance 1 (2019): 33-91.
Journal Title
International Journal for the Study of Music and Musical Performance
