Greg Kihn, the rock singer-songwriter famous for hits like “Jeopardy” and “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em),” passed away at 75 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease, his family announced.
Kihn’s music defined the power pop era of the 1980s and continues to resonate with fans today.
Who was Greg Kihn?
Kihn achieved widespread success in the early 1980s with the Greg Kihn Band. “The Breakup Song” peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981, followed by “Jeopardy” in 1983, which hit No. 2 and became an early favorite on the then-new MTV. “Jeopardy” later received a hilarious and beloved parody, “I Lost on Jeopardy,” by “Weird Al” Yankovic, which extended the song’s cultural relevance.
Kihn spoke fondly of Yankovic’s parody, saying, “I loved his version of ‘I Lost on Jeopardy.’ It was a brilliant parody. Al is a super talented musician.” Kihn appeared in the video for Yankovic’s parody, and later remarked how the collaboration continued to generate “mailbox money.”
What to know about Greg Kihn
Born in Baltimore, Kihn relocated to San Francisco in 1972, joining the Beserkley Records stable of artists alongside Jonathan Richman and the Rubinoos. He made a name for himself in the power pop scene, with a sound heavily inspired by British rock bands like The Who and The Faces. His debut album, Greg Kihn, was released in 1976.
Kihn’s sense of humor shone through in his album titles, which included Next of Kihn (1978), RocKihnRoll (1981), Kihntagious (1984), and Rekihndled (2017). Each release solidified his place in rock history, with catchy, well-crafted songs that gained a loyal fanbase.
In addition to his music career, Kihn was an accomplished writer. He published six novels, starting with Horror Show in 1996, showcasing his ability to cross genres and explore storytelling in different mediums.
Kihn’s contributions to music and pop culture remain a defining part of the 1980s rock scene. His infectious songs, heartfelt lyrics, and sense of fun ensured that his work would be remembered fondly by fans and musicians alike.