Current:Home > FinanceRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -ProsperityEdge
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-19 00:17:22
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! (67842)
Related
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Some of the biggest stars in MLB can't compete with the fame of their furry friends
- Nevada high court upholds sex abuse charges against ‘Dances With Wolves’ actor Nathan Chasing Horse
- Playing live, ‘Nutcracker’ musicians bring unseen signature to holiday staple
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Celine Dion's sister gives update on stiff-person syndrome, saying singer has no control of her muscles
- The EU’s naval force says a cargo ship hijacked last week has moved toward the coast of Somalia
- Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas' tops Billboard's Hot 100 for fifth year in a row
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Céline Dion lost control over her muscles amid stiff-person syndrome, her sister says
Ranking
- Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
- Brazil lawsuits link JBS to destruction of Amazon in protected area, seek millions in damages
- South Carolina couple is charged with murder in the 2015 killings of four of their family members
- Sydney Sweeney Reflects on Tearful Aftermath of Euphoria Costar Angus Cloud's Death
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- UN Security Council in intense negotiations on Gaza humanitarian resolution, trying to avoid US veto
- Former NFL running back Derrick Ward arrested on felony charges
- Chileans eschew extremes in quest for new constitution and end up with the old one
Recommendation
The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
Germany protests to Iran after a court ruling implicates Tehran in a plot to attack a synagogue
Myanmar ethnic armed group seizes another crossing point along the Chinese border, reports say
In a season of twists and turns, these 10 games decided the College Football Playoff race
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
Miss France Winner Eve Gilles Defends Her Pixie Haircut From Critics
Publix Spinach and Fresh Express Spinach recalled due to listeria fears
Anthony Edwards is a 'work in progress,' coach says. What we know about text fiasco