Current:Home > NewsRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -Wealth Evolution Experts
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-18 09:26:23
Rock singer Greg Kihn, known for beloved hits like "Jeopardy" and "The Breakup Song," has died. He was 75.
The "Greg Kihn Band" frontman's death on Tuesday comes after a tragic battle with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a Thursday eulogy written by friend Skyler Turtle, who works on Kihn's management team. Kihn's family chose not to disclose the location of his death.
The Baltimore native was a cultural phenomenon whose international, multi-generational appeal was driven by his "magnetic stage presence and unique storytelling," the eulogy said.
"With a unique songwriting style that blended folk, classic rock, blues and pop, his sound helped define a rich musical legacy in the San Francisco Bay Area scene," the eulogy said. "Rest in peace, dear Greg. Your music, your voice, your stories, your spirit and your passion will forever echo in our hearts and inspire countless souls. Rock Kihn Roll Forever!"
Radio DJ and author by day, rock singer by night
Kihn pursued a music career when he moved to San Francisco in the early 1970s, eventually achieved global fame by the 1980s with an award-winning discography and several world tours.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
In 1981, Kihn dropped his staple track, "The Breakup Song," off his sixth album, "Rockihnroll," peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The following year he dropped "Jeopardy" off his "Kihnspiracy" record, which reached a No. 2 spot on the Billboard chart. The tune's popularity was boosted soon enough when parodied by "Weird Al" Yankovic in "I Lost on Jeopardy."
In addition being a gifted performer, Kihn lent his charisma and passion to a multi-layered career as a pioneer for the San Francisco Bay Area-based label Beserkley Records. He also was a morning radio host for KFOX from 1996 to 2012 and the author of several horror novels, including Bram Stoker Award nominee "Horror Show."
"He was celebrated not only for his musical genius, but also for his ability to connect deeply with fans through powerful lyrics and unforgettable storytelling," the eulogy. "Greg related to and captivated his audiences with real world issues and hysterical tales from his Rock Star escapades."
Other endeavors include his role as a philanthropist, urging listeners to donate to Operation Care and Comfort, a San Jose non-profit raising money for veterans.
Family urges fans to donate to The Alzheimer’s Association
Kihn's family, which includes his wife Jay Arafiles-Kihn, son Ryan Kihn, and daughter Alexis Harrington-Kihn, are asking people to make donations in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association instead of sending flowers.
The family will hold a private memorial service to celebrate Kihn's life and impact.
"Friends and family remember him not just as a rock star, but as a warm-hearted individual who brought joy and inspiration to everyone he encountered," the eulogy said.
veryGood! (44)
Related
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Love your old yellow pillow? It's a health hazard, experts say.
- Rachel Zegler Brings Haunting Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes Songs to Life in Teaser
- Up to a foot of snow blankets areas of Helena, Montana in 1st storm of season: See photos
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Many in Niger are suffering under coup-related sanctions. Junta backers call it a worthy sacrifice
- Toyota recalls 751,000 Highlanders in the US to make sure bumper covers and hardware can’t fall off
- Have student loans? Want free pizza? Dominos is giving away $1 million worth of pies.
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Most of Justice Thomas’ $267,000 loan for an RV seems to have been forgiven, Senate Democrats say
Ranking
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Kansas court system down nearly 2 weeks in ‘security incident’ that has hallmarks of ransomware
- U.S. intelligence says catastrophic motor failure of rocket launched by Palestinian militants caused hospital blast
- FDA gathering information on woman who allegedly died after drinking Panera Bread lemonade
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Fire, other ravages jeopardize California’s prized forests
- Acapulco residents are left in flooded and windblown chaos with hurricane’s toll still unknown
- Singer Michael Bublé unveils new whiskey brand Fraser & Thompson
Recommendation
2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
5 Things podcast: Mike Johnson wins House Speaker race, Biden addresses war
Enrique Iglesias Shares Rare Insight on Family Life With Anna Kournikova and Their 3 Kids
Millie Bobby Brown Embraces Her Acne Breakouts With Makeup-Free Selfie
'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
Maine shooting timeline: How the mass shootings in Lewiston unfolded
Many in Niger are suffering under coup-related sanctions. Junta backers call it a worthy sacrifice
Hundreds of miners leave South Africa gold mine after being underground for 3 days in union dispute