Greg Kihn, the rock singer-songwriter best known for hits like “Jeopardy” and “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em),” passed away on Tuesday, August 13 2024 at the age of 75 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease, his family announced.
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Kihn, who fronted the Greg Kihn Band, became a significant figure in the 1980s power pop scene.
He achieved notable success with “The Breakup Song,” which reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981, and “Jeopardy,” which climbed to No. 2 in 1983 and became a staple on MTV.
The latter song also gained additional recognition through a parody by “Weird Al” Yankovic titled “I Lost on Jeopardy.”
Kihn was associated with Beserkley Records, a Bay Area label, where he began his career in the mid-’70s alongside artists like Jonathan Richman and the Rubinoos.
He released his debut solo song on the influential “Beserkley Chartbusters Vol. 1” compilation in 1976 and followed with a series of pun-titled albums, including “Next of Kihn” (1978), “RocKihnRoll” (1981), and “Kihntinued” (1982).
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Before his music career took off, Kihn grew up in Baltimore, where he won a talent contest sponsored by a local radio station while still in high school. After moving to San Francisco in 1972, he signed with Beserkley in 1973 and released his first album in 1976.
In addition to his music, Kihn authored six novels, beginning with “Horror Show” in 1996, and hosted a morning radio show on KFOX for 18 years, starting in 1996. He also had a syndicated nighttime radio show.
A private memorial celebration is planned for friends and family, with a public celebration of life concert for fans and fellow musicians to be announced later.
Kihn is survived by his wife, Jay Arafiles-Kihn; son, Ryan Kihn; daughter, Alexis Harrington-Kihn; son-in-law, Samora Harrington; grandsons, Nate and Zuri Harrington-Kihn; his sister, Laura Otremba; brother-in-law, Lou Otremba Jr.; and nephews, Larry, Lou III, and Matthew Otremba.
The family has requested that donations be made in Kihn’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.
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