Current:Home > InvestRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -Quantum Capital Pro
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
Chainkeen Exchange View
Date:2025-04-11 01:55:53
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! (13)
Related
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Playing Pirate: Looking back on the 'Monkey Island' series after its 'Return'
- Elizabeth Holmes sentenced to 11 years in prison for Theranos fraud
- France launches war crime investigation after reporter Arman Soldin killed in Ukraine
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- These are some of the Twitter features users want now that Elon Musk owns it
- Twitter employees quit in droves after Elon Musk's ultimatum passes
- Ashley Graham Shares the Makeup Hack That Makes Her Life Easier as a Busy Mom
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Nigeria boat accident leaves 15 children dead and 25 more missing
Ranking
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Playing Pirate: Looking back on the 'Monkey Island' series after its 'Return'
- Why Demi Lovato's Sister Madison De La Garza Decided to Get Sober
- Wild koalas get chlamydia vaccine in first-of-its kind trial to protect the beloved marsupials
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- FTX investors fear they lost everything, and wonder if there's anything they can do
- Elon Musk expected to begin mass Twitter layoffs
- Big Little Lies' Alexander Skarsgård Confirms He Welcomed First Baby With Tuva Novotny
Recommendation
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
More than 1,000 trafficking victims rescued in separate operations in Southeast Asia
Google is now distributing Truth Social, Trump's Twitter alternative
Transcript: Rep. Patrick McHenry on Face the Nation, May 7, 2023
What to watch: O Jolie night
France launches war crime investigation after reporter Arman Soldin killed in Ukraine
Elon Musk says Ye is suspended from Twitter
Wild koalas get chlamydia vaccine in first-of-its kind trial to protect the beloved marsupials