Current:Home > NewsRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -Legacy Profit Partners
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-18 20:29:56
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! (7276)
Related
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Just Eat Takeaway sells Grubhub for $650 million, just 3 years after buying the app for $7.3 billion
- Bluesky has added 1 million users since the US election as people seek alternatives to X
- Republican Scott Baugh concedes to Democrat Dave Min in critical California House race
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- 2 weeks after Peanut the Squirrel's euthanasia, owner is seeking answers, justice
- Quincy Jones' Cause of Death Revealed
- Special counsel Smith asks court to pause appeal seeking to revive Trump’s classified documents case
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Noem’s Cabinet appointment will make a plain-spoken rancher South Dakota’s new governor
Ranking
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Supreme Court seems likely to allow class action to proceed against tech company Nvidia
- Full House's John Stamos Shares Message to Costar Dave Coulier Amid Cancer Battle
- Taylor Swift drops Christmas merchandise collection, including for 'Tortured Poets' era
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul press conference highlights: 'Problem Child' goads 'Iron Mike'
- Agents search home of ex-lieutenant facing scrutiny as police probe leak of school shooting evidence
- Pedro Pascal's Sister Lux Pascal Debuts Daring Slit on Red Carpet at Gladiator II Premiere
Recommendation
McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
Quincy Jones' Cause of Death Revealed
Gun groups sue to overturn Maine’s new three-day waiting period to buy firearms
Vegas Sphere reports revenue decline despite hosting UFC 306, Eagles residency
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
Colorado police shot, kill mountain lion after animal roamed on school's campus
Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas says he was detained in airport over being ‘disoriented’
At age 44, Rich Hill's baseball odyssey continues - now with Team USA