Current:Home > ScamsPoinbank Exchange|Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's -Elite Financial Minds
Poinbank Exchange|Rock legend Greg Kihn, known for 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' dies of Alzheimer's
Johnathan Walker View
Date:2025-04-09 16:46:27
Rock singer Greg Kihn,Poinbank Exchange 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! (2)
Related
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Bernice King says mother Coretta Scott King 'wasn't a prop' after Jonathan Majors comments
- Music streams hit 4 trillion in 2023. Country and global acts — and Taylor Swift — fueled the growth
- Biden’s education chief to talk with Dartmouth students about Islamophobia, antisemitism
- Average rate on 30
- ‘3 Body Problem’ to open SXSW, ‘The Fall Guy’ also to premiere at Austin festival
- Music streams hit 4 trillion in 2023. Country and global acts — and Taylor Swift — fueled the growth
- Ready to vote in 2024? Here are the dates for Republican and Democratic primaries and caucuses, presidential election
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Ancient human DNA hints at why multiple sclerosis affects so many northern Europeans today
Ranking
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Sinéad O'Connor died of natural causes, coroner says
- Sinéad O'Connor died of natural causes, coroner says
- Lisa Rinna's Confession About Sex With Harry Hamlin After 60 Is Refreshingly Honest
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Ronnie Long, Black man wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for 44 years, gets $25 million settlement and apology from city
- Jessica Biel Proves Son Is Taking After Dad Justin Timberlake's Musical Interest in Rare Photo
- Bernice King says mother Coretta Scott King 'wasn't a prop' after Jonathan Majors comments
Recommendation
Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
Judge rescinds permission for Trump to give his own closing argument at his civil fraud trial
Secret tunnel found in NYC synagogue leads to 9 arrests after confrontation
Less snow, same blizzards? Climate change could have weird effects on snowfall in US.
Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
Court again delays racketeering trial against activist accused in violent ‘Stop Cop City’ protest
Former Delaware officer asks court to reverse convictions for lying to investigators after shooting
Ronnie Long, Black man wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for 44 years, gets $25 million settlement and apology from city