Current:Home > MarketsRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -Momentum Wealth Path
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View
Date:2025-04-12 02:07:05
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! (899)
Related
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- An inherited IRA can boost your finances, but new IRS rules may mean a tax headache
- NYC teacher grazed by bullet fired through school window
- North Carolina musician arrested, accused of Artificial Intelligence-assisted fraud caper
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Megan Thee Stallion addresses beef with Nicki Minaj: 'Don't know what the problem is'
- 90-year-old Navy veteran shot, killed during carjacking in Houston, police say
- US Interior Secretary announces restoration of the once-endangered Apache trout species in Arizona
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- There's no SSI check scheduled for this month: Don't worry, it all comes down to the calendar
Ranking
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Alaska governor vetoes bill requiring insurance cover a year of birth control at a time
- Ben Platt Marries Noah Galvin After Over 4 Years of Dating
- Horoscopes Today, September 4, 2024
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper Show Sweet PDA on Yacht in Italy
- 4 friends. 3 deaths, 9 months later: What killed Kansas City Chiefs fans remains a mystery
- Terrence Howard Shares How He’s Helping Daughters Launch Hollywood Careers
Recommendation
'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
North Carolina public school students inch higher in test scores
Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler to face Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka in TV battle
LL COOL J Reveals the Reason Behind His 10-Year Music Hiatus—And Why The Force Is Worth the Wait
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Footage of motorcade racing JFK to the hospital after he was shot is set to go to auction
Bigger and Less Expensive: A Snapshot of U.S. Rooftop Solar Power and How It’s Changed
A prosecutor asks for charges to be reinstated against Alec Baldwin in the ‘Rust’ case