Greg Kihn, an 80s rock hero and longtime DJ, has died, leaving Bay Area music fans in sadness. Kihn and his band gained popularity in the Bay Area club scene in the 1970s before breaking out in the early 1980s with hits like “The Break Up Song” and “Jeopardy.”
Who is Greg Kihn?
With the Greg Kihn Band, the singer reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981 with “The Breakup Song,” and went much higher in 1983 with “Jeopardy,” which peaked at No. 2 on the national chart and became an early regular of the nascent MTV. The latter song remains in the public awareness not just because of its enduring earworm qualities, but also because of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s popular parody, “I Lost on Jeopardy.” Kihn was a member of the Beserkley Records stable of Bay Area artists in the mid-1970s, having released his debut solo single on the landmark collection “Beserkley Chartbusters Vol. 1” in 1976.
Greg Kihn Statement about his Health:
In a 2022 interview, Kihn stated that he hadn’t always lived a healthy lifestyle and was grateful to still be alive. “Everyone would have claimed that I’d have been the first to go, I’m sure. I lucked out. And, you know, life has treated me really well. I’ve had a tremendous career, spanning radio, albums, and literature. I feel blessed and have had a wonderful life. And if it all ends tomorrow, which I doubt it will, I’ll look back on it as a huge bonus. I feel quite fortunate. And as a musician, you’re just trying to put one foot in front of another. Simply follow in your footsteps.
Tribute to Greg Kihn:
A private memorial service for friends and family is planned, followed by a public celebration of life concert for fans and fellow musicians, with specifics to be revealed. Kihn is survived by his wife, Jay Arafiles-Kihn; his son, Ryan Kihn, and daughter, Alexis Harrington-Kihn; his son-in-law, Samora Harrington; grandchildren Nate Harrington-Kihn and Zuri Harrington-Kihn; his sister, Laura Otremba; Lou Otremba Jr., his brother-in-law), and nephews Larry Otremba, Lou Otremba III, and Matthew Otremba. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be given in Kihn’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
What is Greg Kihn’s Cause of Death?
Greg Kihn, a rock musician best known for his 1980s songs “Jeopardy” and “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)” as well as his long-running radio show in the Bay Area, died at the age of 75, his management said. According to a statement on his official website, Kihn died on Tuesday after a fight with Alzheimer’s disease. “With a distinct songwriting style that combined folk, classic rock, blues, and pop, his sound helped define a rich musical heritage in the San Francisco Bay Area scene. Greg came to global popularity in the 1980s, leaving an unforgettable impression for future generations, according to the statement. “Rest in peace, Greg. Your music, voice, stories, spirit, and passion.