Greg Kihn, the singer and songwriter of behind 1980s hits “Jeopardy” and “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em),” died Tuesday of Alzheimer’s complications. He was 75.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Greg Kihn, an iconic figure in the realm of rock music,” Kihn’s management said in a statement posted on his website.
“Known for his magnetic stage presence and unique storytelling that captivated audiences around the globe. He was not merely a musician but a cultural phenomenon whose influence will resonate for generations to come.”
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Kihn was born on July 10, 1949, in Baltimore. His management describes his songwriting style as a “unique” blend of folk, classic rock, blues, and pop, adding, “his sound helped define a rich musical legacy in the San Francisco Bay Area scene.”
His biggest hit was “Jeopardy,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, just behind Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” “Weird” Al Yankovic parodied the song the following year with “I Lost on Jeopardy,” Kihn agreed to the parody if Yankovic allowed him to participate in the music video — making a cameo at the end as Yankovic’s driver. The clip, which also featured famed TV announcer Don Pardo, was in heavy rotation on MTV.
Before “Jeopardy,” which was culled from Kihn’s Top 15 album Kihnspiracy, Kihn had a number of a pair of Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart. After a couple of singles peaked in the middle of that chart — one being a remake of Tommy Roe’s “Sheila” — he broke through in 1981 with “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em).” The song featured the memorable vocal hook “Uh-uh-uh/uh-uh-uh-uh-uh” and lamented a split with a girlfriend. It reached No. 5 on the rock chart, as did his follow-up “Testify” the following year.
Fueled by “The Breakup Song” — which reached No. 15 on the Hot 100 — his sixth LP RocKihnRoll reached No. 32 on the Billboard 200. His next album, Kihntinued, hit No. 33. Earlier albums included his eponymous 1976 debut, Greg Kihn Again (1977), Next of Kihn (1978), With the Naked Eye (1979), Glass House Rock (1980), Kihntagious (1984) and Citizen Kihn (1985), which was his last charting record.
He was a Morning Radio host for KFOX for 17 years and a syndicated nighttime radio host across the country.
Greg is survived by his wife Jay Arafiles-Kihn, son Ryan Kihn, daughter Alexis Harrington-Kihn, son-in-law Samora Harrington, grandson Nate Harrington-Kihn and Zuri Harrington-Kihn, sister Laura Otremba, brother-in-law Lou Otremba Jr. and nephews Larry Otremba, Lou Otremba III, Matthew Otremba.
Here’s the “Jeopardy” music video:
Erik Pedersen contributed to this report.