Greg Kihn: A Legendary Singer-Songwriter and Radio Personality
Early Life and Career
Greg Kihn, the talented singer-songwriter and radio personality, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 75. Born on July 10, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland, Kihn moved to the San Francisco Bay area in the early 1970s, where he began his music career. He formed the Greg Kihn Band, a California pop group that achieved success in the early 1980s.
Music Career
Kihn’s music career spanned several decades, with his band scoring hits with "Jeopardy" and "The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)" in the 1980s. The band’s biggest hit, "Jeopardy," reached the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1983. The music video for "Jeopardy" was practically on a loop on MTV that year, making it a staple of 1980s pop culture. The song also inspired a parody by "Weird Al" Yankovic, "I Lost on Jeopardy," which featured Don Pardo, the announcer on the popular TV game show "Jeopardy."
Radio Career
In the mid-1990s, Kihn transitioned to a career in radio, becoming a morning disc jockey for the classic rock radio station KFOX in the San Francisco Bay area. He held this position until 2012. Kihn’s radio career was marked by his witty banter and insightful music knowledge, making him a beloved figure in the Bay Area’s music scene.
Writing Career
In addition to his music and radio careers, Kihn was also a prolific writer. He published six novels, including two music-themed thrillers: "Painted Black," a fictional account of the death of Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, and "Rubber Soul," a thriller about the Beatles. He also contributed to and edited "Carved In Rock," an anthology of short stories by rock musicians, including Pete Townshend of The Who, Ray Davies of The Kinks, and Joan Jett.
Personal Life
Kihn is survived by his wife, Jay Arafiles-Kihn; a son, Ryan Kihn; a daughter, Alexis Harrington-Kihn; a sister, Laura Otremba; and two grandchildren. In an August 2018 interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Kihn reflected on his career, saying, "I look back on my career and it’s been a stunning success, and I love that it was varied. I’ve been very blessed."
Conclusion
Greg Kihn’s legacy extends far beyond his music and radio career. He was a talented writer, a devoted family man, and a true music lover. His passing leaves a void in the music world, but his music and stories will continue to inspire and entertain future generations.
FAQs
Q: What was Greg Kihn’s biggest hit song?
A: "Jeopardy" was Kihn’s biggest hit song, reaching the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1983.
Q: What was Kihn’s role on the radio?
A: Kihn was a morning disc jockey for the classic rock radio station KFOX in the San Francisco Bay area from the mid-1990s to 2012.
Q: What was Kihn’s writing career like?
A: Kihn published six novels, including two music-themed thrillers, and contributed to and edited an anthology of short stories by rock musicians.
Q: What was Kihn’s attitude towards his career?
A: Kihn reflected on his career, saying, "I look back on my career and it’s been a stunning success, and I love that it was varied. I’ve been very blessed."
