Current:Home > InvestRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -Clarity Finance Guides
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-27 12:47:59
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! (85)
Related
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- J. Cole reveals Colin Kaepernick asked Jets GM Joe Douglas for practice squad role
- Montana judge blocks enforcement of law to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors
- France’s sexual equality watchdog says violent porn is sowing seeds for real-world sexual violence
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Israel strikes militant sites in Gaza as unrest continues, no casualties
- Bahrain rights group says 13 convicted over prison sit-in that authorities say was violent
- Jimmy Carter’s 99th birthday celebration moved to Saturday to avoid federal shutdown threat
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Bruce Springsteen postpones all 2023 tour dates until 2024 as he recovers from peptic ulcer disease
Ranking
- Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
- Burkina Faso’s junta says its intelligence and security services have foiled a coup attempt
- Pregnant Jana Kramer Shares Bonding Moment Between Fiancé Allan Russell and Ex Mike Caussin
- Raiders Pro Bowl DE Chandler Jones says he was hospitalized against his will in Las Vegas
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Canadian police won’t investigate doctor for sterilizing Indigenous woman
- Iran says it has successfully launched an imaging satellite into orbit amid tensions with the West
- In a landmark court case, 6 young climate activists take on 32 European nations
Recommendation
DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
Jimmy Carter’s 99th birthday celebration moved to Saturday to avoid federal shutdown threat
This year's COVID vaccine rollout is off to a bumpy start, despite high demand
Montana man pleads not guilty to threatening to kill President Joe Biden, US Senator Jon Tester
2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
Rifle manufacturer created by Bushmaster founder goes out of business
Takeaways from AP report on Maui fire investigation
Oregon Gov. Kotek directs state police to crack down on fentanyl distribution