Current:Home > StocksRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -FundSphere
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-21 16:30:47
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! (8)
Related
- A steeplechase record at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Then a proposal. (He said yes.)
- Proof Meryl Streep and Martin Short Will Be Closer Than Ever at the 2024 Emmys
- Chase Stokes Reveals Birthday Surprise for Kelsea Ballerini—Which Included Tequila Shots
- Lil Wayne says Super Bowl 59 halftime show snub 'broke' him after Kendrick Lamar got gig
- The Daily Money: Disney+ wants your dollars
- When do new episodes of 'Tulsa King' come out? Season 2 premiere date, cast, where to watch
- Boeing workers on strike for the 1st time in 16 years after 96% vote to reject contract
- Shohei Ohtani pitching in playoffs? Dodgers say odds for return 'not zero'
- British swimmer Adam Peaty: There are worms in the food at Paris Olympic Village
- 50,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish fiery Tesla crash on California highway
Ranking
- Mega Millions winning numbers for August 6 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $398 million
- Former President Barack Obama surprises Team USA at Solheim Cup
- NCAA approves Gallaudet’s use of a helmet for deaf and hard of hearing players this season
- Don Lemon, life after CNN and what it says about cancel culture
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- When do new episodes of 'Tulsa King' come out? Season 2 premiere date, cast, where to watch
- Sam Bankman-Fried’s lawyers claim in an appeal that he was judged too quickly
- Bill would ban sports betting ads during games and forbid bets on college athletes
Recommendation
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Line and Bridge Fires blaze in California, thousands of acres torched, thousands evacuated
Teen Mom's Jenelle Evans Reacts After Son Jace Says He Feels Safer Without Her Ex David Eason
Bill would ban sports betting ads during games and forbid bets on college athletes
'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
The Daily Money: Dispatches from the DEI wars
Air Canada urges government to intervene as labor dispute with pilots escalates
What to watch: Worst. Vacation. Ever.