Current:Home > NewsRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -Wealth Empowerment Academy
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-13 05:14:34
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! (6)
Related
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Stock market today: Asian shares mixed after AI hopes nudge Wall St to records. BOJ stands pat
- White Lotus Star Theo James Once Had a Bottle of Urine Thrown at Him
- Brittany Mahomes Shares Glimpse Into Workout Progress After Fracturing Her Back
- Taylor Swift Cancels Austria Concerts After Confirmation of Planned Terrorist Attack
- Horoscopes Today, June 12, 2024
- R.E.M. performs together for first time in nearly 20 years
- Opal Lee gets keys to her new Texas home 85 years after a racist mob drove her family from that lot
- Big Lots store closures could exceed 300 nationwide, discount chain reveals in filing
- Brittany Mahomes Shares Glimpse Into Workout Progress After Fracturing Her Back
Ranking
- Paris Olympics live updates: Quincy Hall wins 400m thriller; USA women's hoops in action
- Tony Bennett's daughters sue their siblings, alleging they're mishandling the singer's family trust
- Project Runway’s Elaine Welteroth Pregnant, Expecting Baby No. 2 With Husband Jonathan Singletary
- Lynn Conway, microchip pioneer who overcame transgender discrimination, dies at 86
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Actor Christian Oliver's Ex-Wife Shares Touching Footage Months After Family’s Death in Plane Crash
- Takeaways from Supreme Court ruling: Abortion pill still available but opponents say fight not over
- Bridgerton Star Luke Newton Confirms Romance With Dancer Antonia Roumelioti
Recommendation
How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
Katie Holmes Debuts Subtle, Yet Striking Hair Transformation
TikTokers are eating raw garlic to cure acne in viral videos. Does it actually work?
South Florida compared to scenes from a zombie movie as widespread flooding triggers rare warning
Messi injury update: Ankle 'better every day' but Inter Miami star yet to play Leagues Cup
WWE Clash at the Castle 2024: Time, how to watch, match card and more
Supreme Court strikes down Trump-era ban on bump stocks for firearms
TikTokers are eating raw garlic to cure acne in viral videos. Does it actually work?