Current:Home > ScamsRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -SummitInvest
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-27 18:26:42
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! (416)
Related
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- Taylor Swift dethrones Elvis Presley as solo artist with most weeks atop Billboard 200 chart
- 16-year-old boy fatally stabbed on a hill overlooking London during New Year’s Eve
- Taylor Swift dethrones Elvis Presley as solo artist with most weeks atop Billboard 200 chart
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Police say Berlin marks New Year’s Eve with less violence than a year ago despite detention of 390
- Israel moving thousands of troops out of Gaza, but expects prolonged fighting with Hamas
- Best animal photos of 2023 by USA TODAY photographers: From a 'zonkey' to a sea cucumber
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Housing market predictions: Six experts weigh in on the real estate outlook in 2024
Ranking
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Members of Germany’s smallest governing party vote to stay in Scholz’s coalition, prompting relief
- Migrant crossings of English Channel declined by more than a third in 2023, UK government says
- Ashes of Canadian ‘Star Trek’ fan to be sent into space along with those of TV series’ stars
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Tunnel flooding under the River Thames strands hundreds of travelers in Paris and London
- Best animal photos of 2023 by USA TODAY photographers: From a 'zonkey' to a sea cucumber
- What you've missed. 2023's most popular kids shows, movies and more
Recommendation
Trump invites nearly all federal workers to quit now, get paid through September
$842 million Powerball ticket sold in Michigan, 1st time the game has been won on New Year’s Day
A prisoner set a fire inside an Atlanta jail but no one was injured, officials say
Marsha Warfield, bailiff Roz Russell on ‘Night Court,’ returns to the show that has a ‘big heart’
Bodycam footage shows high
Heavy Russian missile attacks hit Ukraine’s 2 largest cities
Anderson Cooper on freeing yourself from the burden of grief
Venezuela says troops will stay deployed until British military vessel leaves waters off Guyana