Greg Kihn, legendary Beserkley Records songwriter whose power pop singles “Jeopardy,” “The Breakup Song,” and “Lucky,” brought him to fans around the globe, passed on Thursday, August 15 at the age of 75 following complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
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Kihn helped define the ‘80s with his massive singles “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)” and “Jeopardy” with the former reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981, and making his way to the charts again just three years later as “Jeopardy” shot to the number 2 spot. Of course, as the advent of MTV came along at the same time, fans should also remember fondly the wacky parody song by “Weird Al” Yankovic, “I Lost on Jeopardy.”
Before moving to the Bay Area in 1972, Kihn, who grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, won a local radio station talent contest while still in high school and signed with Beserkley Records in 1973, was later included on the label’s “Beserkley Chartbusters Vol. 1” compilation in 1976, and released his first album, Greg Kihn, that same year.
Aside from his songwriting abilities, Kihn was and accomplished author of six published novels, a morning radio host for 17 years, and syndicated nighttime radio host.
A private memorial for friends and family is expected to be followed by public celebration of life concert for fans and fellow musicians, with details still to be announced. In lieu of flowers, Kihn's family requests donations be made in Greg's name to the Alzheimer’s Association.