Current:Home > MarketsRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -ProgressCapital
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-12 20:13:51
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! (3544)
Related
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Mayim Bialik was 'ashamed' by the 1995 'SNL' sketch parodying her with 'a big, fake nose'
- Discovery of buried coins in Wales turns out to be Roman treasure: Huge surprise
- Israeli mother recounts being held hostage by Hamas with her family, husband now missing
- Boy who wandered away from his 5th birthday party found dead in canal, police say
- Attorneys for an Indiana man charged in 2 killings leave case amid questions of evidence security
- Ali Krieger Shares “Happy Place” Photo With Her and Ashlyn Harris’ Kids Amid Divorce
- Kraft Mac & Cheese ice cream is back at Walmart next week along with six new flavors by Van Leeuwen
- What polling shows about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ new running mate
- Fed Chair Powell signals central bank could hold interest rates steady next month
Ranking
- JoJo Siwa reflects on Candace Cameron Bure feud: 'If I saw her, I would not say hi'
- Marine found killed at Camp Lejeune, another in custody
- French presidential couple attend funeral service of teacher slain in school attack
- Marine killed in Camp Lejeune barracks and fellow Marine held as suspect, the base says
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Marine found killed at Camp Lejeune, another in custody
- Army private who fled to North Korea charged with desertion, held by US military, officials tell AP
- Financial investigators probing suspected contracts descend again on HQ of Paris Olympic organizers
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Colombian president’s statements on Gaza jeopardize close military ties with Israel
Rhode Island high school locked down after police say one student stabbed another in a bathroom
Toy Hall of Fame: The 'forgotten five' classic toys up for induction and how fans can vote
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
French officials suspect young people in rash of fake bomb threats, warn of heavy punishments
Suspect in custody in theft of Vermont police cruiser and rifle
Major US Muslim group cancels Virginia banquet over bomb and death threats