Current:Home > FinanceRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -BrightPath Capital
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-16 04:53:40
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! (8356)
Related
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- That news article on Google? Its headline may have been written by a political campaign
- Brat summer is almost over. Get ready for 'demure' fall, a new viral TikTok trend.
- Halle Berry recalls 10 injuries over action movie career: 'I've been knocked out 3 times'
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Montana Gov. Gianforte continues to rake in outside income as he seeks a second term
- Channing Tatum Reveals How Riley Keough Played Matchmaker for Him and Now-Fiancé Zoë Kravitz
- Tropical Storm Ernesto pummels northeast Caribbean and leaves hundreds of thousands in the dark
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- House Democrats dig in amid ongoing fight in Congress over compensation for US radiation victims
Ranking
- Small twin
- The 21 Best Amazon Off-to-College Deals Starting at $5.77: Save on JBL, Apple, Bose & More
- Olympic Breakdancer Raygun's Teammate Jeff “J Attack” Dunne Reacts to Her Controversial Debut
- Indiana attorney general drops suit over privacy of Ohio girl who traveled for abortion
- 'Most Whopper
- More than 2,300 pounds of meth is found hidden in celery at Georgia farmers market
- Ruling: Fetus can be referred to as ‘unborn human being’ in Arizona abortion measure voter pamphlet
- Why AP called Minnesota’s 5th District primary for Rep. Ilhan Omar over Don Samuels
Recommendation
Could your smelly farts help science?
Demi Lovato Reflects on Emotional and Physical Impact of Traumatic Child Stardom
Recall of candy, snacks sold at Target, Walmart upgraded over salmonella risk
Top official says Federal Reserve can’t risk being too late with rate cuts
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
USA Basketball's Grant Hill has rough edges to smooth before 2028 Olympics
Texas woman recovering after dramatic rescue from submerged vehicle
A proposed amendment lacks 1 word that could drive voter turnout: ‘abortion’