Remembering Greg Kihn: A lasting impact on music, radio, and literature

Greg Kihn, the Bay Area rock musician famous for the 1980s hits "Jeopardy" and "The Breakup Song," passed away at the age of 75 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease on August 13, 2024.

His death marks the end of a career that left a mark on rock and pop music, particularly in the 1980s. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Kihn's musical journey truly began when he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1970s. He signed with Berkeley's Beserkley Records, a label known for nurturing the "power pop" sound that combined "teenage innocence" and catchy melodies with a dash of rock edge.

This move proved pivotal, as Kihn, with his band aptly named the Greg Kihn Band, began to release a string of albums with playful, pun-filled titles such as Next of Kihn (1978), RocKihnRoll (1981), and Kihntinued (1982). These albums helped establish his signature blend of rock and pop, and brought him greater recognition in the music world. Kihn’s breakthrough came in 1981 with "The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ’Em)," a power pop tune that resonated with fans for its raw lyrics and catchy hooks.

The song peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, earning his place in the rock scene. His biggest commercial success, however, came two years later with the release of "Jeopardy" in 1983. The song, with its infectious, bouncy rhythm, shot up to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and even topped the Billboard dance chart. Its accompanying music video became a regular fixture on MTV, further amplifying its popularity.

In a testament to its cultural relevance, "Weird Al" Yankovic famously parodied the song with "I Lost on Jeopardy," a version that even featured Kihn in a cameo role in the video.

Greg Kihn was more than a musician

Aside from his success in music, Greg Kihn’s influence extended into radio broadcasting. In 1995, he transitioned into radio by joining San Jose’s KFOX (KUFX-FM), initially hosting a nighttime show. His engaging personality and deep knowledge of rock music quickly made him a favorite among listeners, leading to his long-standing position as the station's weekday morning host, a role he held for 16 years.

His contributions to the radio industry were recognized in 2012 when he was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame. Kihn was also a writer. His creative output included six novels, four of which were horror-themed. Admittedly, this writer hasn't read them, but one can imagine Jack Nicholson in his most "Here’s Johnny!" form saying "They don't write 'em like that anymore" after Wendy sees his "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" masterwork.

In 2013, he ventured into historical fiction with Rubber Soul, a murder mystery set in the world of the Beatles. His literary work reflected his wide-ranging imagination and love for storytelling, further demonstrating his artistic versatility.

In addition to writing, Kihn had a lesser-known passion—breeding rare mantises, an unusual hobby that showcased his curiosity beyond the world of entertainment. Despite his many talents and achievements, Greg Kihn remained grounded and well-loved by those who knew him personally. The statement on his official website fondly recalls him not only as a rock star but as a kind-hearted individual who inspired and brought joy to many.

Kihn’s legacy continues to live on through his contributions to rock music, radio, and literature, with his early pioneering work at Beserkley Records playing a pivotal role in shaping the sound of West Coast rock during the late 1970s and 1980s. His ability to seamlessly transition from rock frontman to radio personality to novelist underscores the breadth of his talent and his lasting impact across multiple creative fields.