In addition to his music career, Kinky pursued politics, running for governor in 2006 against Ricky Perry. Though he finished fourth, his campaign drew significant media attention. He also sought the Democratic nomination for agriculture commissioner in 2010 and 2014, albeit unsuccessfully.
A longtime friend, Clive Hattersley, fondly remembered Kinky as “an extraordinary communicator who could evoke deep emotions, whether through tears or laughter.” Hattersley also revealed that Kinky had been battling Parkinson’s disease.
Throughout his career, Kinky released 18 albums, with his final work, “Circus of Life,” released in 2018.
