Greg Kihn, the rock singer-songwriter known for his Top 20 hits "The Breakup Song" and "Jeopardy," has passed away, as confirmed by his management team. Kihn died on Tuesday, August 13, at the age of 75 after battling Alzheimer's disease, according to a statement released Thursday by his longtime managers, Joel and Skyler Turtle.
Kihn gained fame with his 1981 hit "The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)," which became a Top 20 success. His biggest hit came in 1983 with "Jeopardy," which reached number two on the charts and inspired a parody by "Weird Al" Yankovic, who humorously transformed the song's theme from "our love's in jeopardy" to a game-show twist, "I lost on Jeopardy!"
Greg Kihn also enjoyed success on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart with hits like “Testify,” “Reunited,” and “Lucky.” Throughout his career, Kihn became known for his playful use of puns in album titles, including "Kihnspiracy," and his greatest hits compilation aptly titled "KihnSolidation."
In a eulogy written by his longtime manager, Skyler Turtle, Kihn was described as “not merely a musician but a cultural phenomenon.”
“With a unique songwriting style that blended folk, classic rock, blues, and pop, Greg's sound helped define a rich musical legacy in the San Francisco Bay Area scene,” Turtle wrote. “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. As a former morning radio host for KFOX for 17 years, and a syndicated nighttime radio host across the country, Greg captivated audiences with real-world issues and hysterical tales from his rock star escapades."
"Beyond the world of music and radio, Greg was also celebrated as a great storyteller and novelist, with six published novels and numerous short stories," Turtle wrote. "He had a unique hobby of breeding rare praying mantis and was known for his kindness and generosity, which extended far beyond the stage. Greg was actively involved in supporting Operation Care and Comfort, along with other charitable organizations."
The statement released on Thursday noted, "A private memorial will be held to honor Greg's extraordinary life and legacy with close friends and family. A public celebration of life concert for fans and fellow musicians will be announced at a later date."
Kihn is survived by his wife, Jay Arafiles-Kihn, his son, Ryan Kihn, and his daughter, Alexis Harrington-Kihn. The family has requested that donations in his memory be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation.