Current:Home > ScamsRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -Horizon Finance School
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-17 07:35:37
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! (86)
Related
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- 'Time is running out': Florida braces for monster Hurricane Milton. Live updates
- Taylor Swift Celebrates Chiefs’ “Perfect” Win While Supporting Travis Kelce During Game
- The biggest reveals in Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir, from Elvis to Michael Jackson
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Daniel Craig opens up about his 'beautiful,' explicit gay romance 'Queer'
- Should you give your dog gluten-free food? How to tell if pup has an intolerance.
- Opinion: Messi doesn't deserve MVP of MLS? Why arguments against him are weak
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Wildfire fight continues in western North Dakota
Ranking
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- ESPN Analyst Troy Aikman Jokes He’s in Trouble for Giving Taylor Swift Nickname During Chiefs Game
- Anne Hathaway Reveals Sweet Anniversary Gift From Husband Adam Shulman
- Man falls to his death in Utah while canyoneering in Zion National Park
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- LeBron James, Lakers look highly amused as fan is forcibly removed from arena
- As Milton takes aim at Florida, why is Tampa Bay so vulnerable to hurricanes?
- An unusual hurricane season goes from ultra quiet to record busy and spawns Helene and Milton
Recommendation
Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
How Tucson police handled a death like George Floyd’s when leaders thought it would never happen
RHONY Preview: How Ubah Hassan's Feud With Brynn Whitfield Really Started
Why Lisa Marie Presley Kept Son Benjamin Keough's Body on Dry Ice for 2 Months After His Death
Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
Lunds & Byerlys' Lone Star Dip recalled due to 'potential mold growth contamination'
Amazon Prime Day 2024: 30% Off Laneige Products Used by Sydney Sweeney, Porsha Williams & More
Kerry Carpenter stuns Guardians with dramatic HR in 9th to lift Tigers to win in Game 2