Current:Home > reviewsRock 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:2025-04-27 20:23:31
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! (89)
Related
- Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
- Real Housewives of Dubai's Caroline Stanbury Shares Reality Of Having a Baby at 48
- Rare 7-foot fish washed ashore on Oregon’s coast garners worldwide attention
- California law bars ex-LAPD officer Mark Fuhrman, who lied at OJ Simpson trial, from policing
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- State rejects health insurers’ pleas to halt plan that will shake up coverage for 1.8 million Texans
- Appeals court upholds conviction of British national linked to Islamic State
- Costco issues recall for some Tillamook cheese slices that could contain 'plastic pieces'
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Who will win Stanley Cup? Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers picks, predictions and odds
Ranking
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- A Complete Guide to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's 6 Kids
- Kristaps Porzingis' instant impact off bench in NBA Finals Game 1 exactly what Celtics needed
- Who are the highest-paid players in the WNBA? A list of the top 10 salaries in 2024.
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Nearly 130 more Red Lobster restaurants are in danger of closing: See list of locations
- Teen Mom's Kailyn Lowry Shares Rare Photo With Ex Jo Rivera for Son Isaac's Graduation
- Shooting near a Los Angeles college kills 1 and wounds 4, police say
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Boston Pride 2024: Date, route, how to watch and stream Pride parade
Appointed by Trump, Hunter Biden trial judge spent most of her career in civil law
How this Maryland pastor ended up leading one of the fastest-growing churches in the nation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Judge orders temporary halt to UC academic workers’ strike over war in Gaza
California woman found dead in 2023 confirmed as state's first fatal black bear attack
Julianne Hough Shows Off Her Fit Figure While Doing Sauna Stretches