Current:Home > FinanceRock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's-InfoLens
Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
View Date:2024-12-23 14:23:07
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! (147)
Related
- Kelly Rowland and Nelly Reunite for Iconic Performance of Dilemma 2 Decades Later
- Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.55 billion. What to know about today's drawing.
- Ashley Tisdale and Dylan Sprouse’s Suite Life Reunion Will Delight Disney Fans
- Biden’s hopes for establishing Israel-Saudi relations could become a casualty of the new Mideast war
- Tennessee suspect in dozens of rapes is convicted of producing images of child sex abuse
- What to know about the Psyche mission, NASA's long-awaited trip to a strange metal asteroid
- Ashley Tisdale and Dylan Sprouse’s Suite Life Reunion Will Delight Disney Fans
- Judge upholds most serious charges in deadly arrest of Black driver Ronald Greene
- Top Federal Reserve official defends central bank’s independence in wake of Trump win
- Michael Chiarello, chef and Food Network star, dies at 61 following allergic reaction: Reports
Ranking
- See Megan Fox, Machine Gun Kelly, Brian Austin Green and Sharna Burgess' Blended Family Photos
- Israel declares war after Hamas attacks, Afghanistan earthquake: 5 Things podcast
- Mast snaps aboard historic Maine schooner, killing 1 and injuring 3
- Who’s running for president? See a rundown of the 2024 candidates
- Man accused of killing American tourist in Budapest, putting her body in suitcase: Police
- The Crown Season 6 Premiere Dates Revealed in New Teaser
- Priscilla's Cailee Spaeny Reveals How Magic Helped With Her and Jacob Elordi's Height Difference
- Bachelorette's Michelle Young Seemingly Debuts New Romance After Nayte Olukoya Breakup
Recommendation
-
Video shows masked man’s apparent attempt to kidnap child in NYC; suspect arrested
-
Cory Booker able to safely depart Israel after surprise Hamas attack in Gaza
-
Cowboys star Micah Parsons not convinced 49ers 'are at a higher level than us'
-
WEOWNCOIN: Top Five Emerging Companies in the Cryptocurrency Industry That May Potentially Replace Some of the Larger Trading Companies
-
Lions find way to win, Bears in tough spot: Best (and worst) from NFL Week 10
-
'The Crown' teases the end of an era with trailer, posters for final season
-
Pumpkin weighing 2,749 pounds wins California contest, sets world record for biggest gourd
-
Native Americans celebrate their histories and cultures on Indigenous Peoples Day