Legendary Rocker Greg Kihn Passes Away at 75
Greg Kihn, the iconic singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his hit single "Jeopardy," has sadly passed away at the age of 75. According to a statement on his website, Kihn died on August 13 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
A Multi-Talented Artist
Beyond his successful music career, Kihn was also a renowned storyteller and novelist, having published six novels and numerous short stories. In addition to his creative pursuits, Kihn was an avid breeder of rare praying mantis and actively supported the non-profit organization Operation Care and Comfort.
Early Music Career and Breakthrough Success
Kihn’s music career began in 1976 with the formation of his band, Greg Kihn Band. Despite modest success with his first two albums, his third album, 1979’s Next of Kihn, marked a turning point in his career. The album spawned several singles, including "Remember" in 1978 and "Sheila" in 1981, which both narrowly missed the Top 100. However, it was 1981’s "The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)" that brought Kihn his first Top 40 hit, peaking at No. 15.
Jeopardy and MTV
It was Kihn’s 1983 hit single "Jeopardy," a song that benefited from significant MTV airplay, that catapulted him to mainstream success. The song’s conceptual video, which featured Kihn as a groom terrorized by supernatural creatures, helped propel it to No. 2 on the charts. The song remains Kihn’s most well-known and enduring hit.
Other Chart-Topping Hits and Later Career
Over the next three years, Kihn released several more singles that reached the Top 100 or just outside of it, both as a member of his band and under his solo name. His most popular albums, Rockihnroll (1981), Kihntinued (1982), and Kihnspiracy (1983), all charted in the Top 40.
From Music to Radio and Literature
In the 1990s, Kihn transitioned to a successful career in radio, becoming a disc jockey at San Jose’s KUFX. He also began writing novels, including Horror Show, which earned a Bram Stoker Award nomination. Kihn went on to publish several other horror novels and short stories.
Personal Life and Retirement
In July, Kihn announced his retirement on Facebook, citing his desire to "chill out" and spend more time with his family. It appears that his passing occurred just a few weeks later.
Legacy and Tributes
The music world is mourning the loss of this talented artist. Fans and fellow musicians will be able to celebrate his life and legacy at a public concert event to be announced in the near future.
FAQs
Q: What was Greg Kihn’s most famous hit single?
A: "Jeopardy" (1983)
Q: How old was Greg Kihn when he passed away?
A: 75
Q: What was the cause of Greg Kihn’s death?
A: Alzheimer’s disease
Q: What was Greg Kihn’s other notable creative pursuit besides music?
A: Writing novels and short stories
Q: What was the title of Greg Kihn’s first published novel?
A: Horror Show
