Current:Home > InvestRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -WealthMindset Learning
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-27 20:39:00
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! (47519)
Related
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Tropical Storm Francine forms in Gulf, headed toward US landfall as a hurricane
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson adds comfort, safety features for babies and pet passengers
- Black borrowers' mortgage applications denied twice as often as whites', report shows
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Parents are stressed and kids are depressed. Here's what the surgeon general prescribes.
- Ram 1500s, Jeep Wranglers, Jeep Gladiators among 1.2 million vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
- 2024 CMA Awards: Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Album Shut Out of Nominations
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Edward B. Johnson, the second CIA officer in Iran for the ‘Argo’ rescue mission, dies at age 81
Ranking
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Patti Scialfa, Springsteen’s wife & bandmate, reveals cancer diagnosis
- What's the best state for electric cars? New 2024 EV index ranks all 50 states
- Ex-employees of Titanic submersible’s owner to testify before Coast Guard panel
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Women settle lawsuits after Yale fertility nurse switched painkiller for saline
- Big Cities Disrupt the Atmosphere, Often Generating More Rainfall, But Can Also Have a Drying Effect
- Ana de Armas Shares Insight Into Her Private World Away From Hollywood
Recommendation
Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
The uproar around Francis Ford Coppola's ‘Megalopolis’ movie explained
Amy Adams Makes Rare Comments About 14-Year-Old Daughter Aviana
A federal judge tosses a lawsuit over the ban on recorded inmate interviews in South Carolina
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
California's Line Fire grows due to high temperatures, forces evacuations: See map
Justin Fields hasn't sparked a Steelers QB controversy just yet – but stay tuned
Ex-employees of Titanic submersible’s owner to testify before Coast Guard panel