’80s ‘Jeopardy’ Singer Greg Kihn Dies at 75

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Greg Kihn, the rock and roll musician famous for his ‘80s hit songs “Jeopardy” and “The Breakup Song,” has passed away at the age of 75.

According to a statement from his management team on his website, Kihn succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease on Tuesday.

Greg Kihn was born on July 10, 1949, in Baltimore but later relocated to the San Francisco area in the 1970s. He was subsequently signed by Beserkley Records. His unique songwriting style, which fused elements of folk, classic rock, blues, and pop, led his Greg Kihn Band to their first hit with “The Breakup Song” in 1981.

The release of “Jeopardy” in 1983 marked another milestone in Kihn’s career, as the song quickly climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard HOT 100 songs chart, trailing just behind Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” The track also became a staple on MTV during its early years.

Kihn was known for giving his albums playful, pun-filled titles that revolved around his name, including “RocKihnRoll,” “Kihntinued,” “Kihntagious,” and “Citizen Kihn.”

Martha Quinn, an original MTV VJ, took to social media on Thursday to pay tribute to the late musician. “My condolences go out to his loved ones, and thank you Greg for the Rock KIHN Roll,” she wrote.

“Weird Al” Yankovic also contributed to Kihn’s enduring legacy by creating a parody of “Jeopardy” in the ‘80s, titled “I Lost on Jeopardy.” Kihn expressed his admiration for the parody, saying it extended the life of his song far beyond its original run. “It was a brilliant parody,” Kihn told Variety, adding that his participation in the parody’s music video was immensely enjoyable.

Aside from his musical career, Kihn was also a notable DJ. He began working for KUFX radio in the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1990s and eventually became a nationally syndicated nighttime radio host.

Kihn’s creative pursuits didn’t stop at music and radio; he also penned novels and short stories, adding author to his extensive list of accomplishments.

In a heartfelt message posted on his Facebook page in July—on the occasion of his birthday—Kihn addressed his fans, whom he affectionately called “Kihnfolk.” He thanked them for their birthday messages and apologized for not posting updates for nearly a year.

“After so many years of touring as well as doing radio shows … it’s finally time I get to chill out,” he wrote. “Thank you to each and every one of you for all your love and support now and over the years. Rock on!”

Source: AP News, Variety