Current:Home > FinanceRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -AssetLink
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-17 15:14:28
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! (5136)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Gay couple in Nepal becomes the 1st to officially register same-sex marriage in the country
- Hamas says it's open to new cease-fire deal with Israel as hostage releases bring joy, calls for longer truce
- Navy removes fuel from spy plane that crashed into environmentally sensitive bay in Hawaii
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- The Essentials: As Usher lights up the Las Vegas strip, here are his must-haves
- Rosalynn Carter set for funeral and burial in the town where she and her husband were born
- New York drivers could face license suspensions over vision tests
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Florida official’s body went undiscovered for 24 minutes outside Capitol meeting room last year
Ranking
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Alaska landslide survivor says force of impact threw her around ‘like a piece of weightless popcorn’
- Person arrested with gun after reports of gunshots at Virginia’s Christopher Newport University
- Matthew Perry’s Stepdad Keith Morrison Speaks Out on His Death
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- WWE Hall of Famer Tammy ‘Sunny’ Sytch sentenced to 17 years in prison for fatal DUI crash
- The Essentials: As Usher lights up the Las Vegas strip, here are his must-haves
- Texas Supreme Court hears case challenging state's near-total abortion ban
Recommendation
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
Dakota Johnson Shares How Chris Martin Helps Her When She’s Struggling
Four miners die in Poland when pipeline filled with water ruptures deep below ground
Opening statements to begin in the final trial in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain
Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
Mark Cuban in serious talks to sell significant share of Dallas Mavericks to Adelson family
Honduran opposition party leader flees arrest after being stopped in airport before traveling to US
'Fargo' Season 5: Schedule, cast, streaming info, how to watch next episode