Rock Star Greg Kihn passed away. He is best known for his music career, particularly with the Greg Kihn Band, which gained popularity in the 1980s. The band had several hits, including “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)” and “Jeopardy.”

A statement on his website said Kihn died August 13 after a battle with  Alzheimer’s. He was 75

“With a unique songwriting style that blended folk, classic rock, blues and pop, his sound helped define a rich musical legacy in the San Francisco Bay Area scene. Greg rose to worldwide fame in the 1980s and left an indelible mark for generations to come,” said the statement at his website.

“Rest in peace, dear Greg. Your music, your voice, your stories, your spirit and your passion will forever echo in our hearts and inspire countless souls.”

Greg Kihn was a rock musician, radio personality, and author. 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

Kihn formed the Greg Kihn Band in 1976, which initially included bassist Steve Wright, drummer Larry Lynch, keyboardist Gary Phillips, and guitarist Dave Carpender. The band became part of the San Francisco rock scene and gained a loyal following.

Their early work included albums like “Greg Kihn Again” (1977) and “With the Naked Eye” (1979), which showcased Kihn’s talent for writing catchy pop-rock songs.

The Greg Kihn Band achieved significant commercial success in the early 1980s with a string of hits. Their 1981 album “Rockihnroll” featured the breakout single “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em),” which reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s catchy riff and relatable lyrics about romantic disappointment became popular with audiences.

In 1983, the band released the album “Kihnspiracy,” which included their biggest hit, “Jeopardy.” The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is known for its distinctive synthesizer riff and memorable music video, which received heavy play on MTV. The success of “Jeopardy” cemented the Greg Kihn Band’s place in 1980s rock history.

Beyond his music career, Kihn has also made a name for himself as a radio personality. He hosted the “Greg Kihn Morning Show” on San Jose’s KUFX (K-Fox) for several years, where he became known for his humorous and engaging on-air presence. His work in radio allowed him to stay connected with fans and continue sharing his love for music.

Kihn was also an accomplished author, having written several novels and short stories. His literary works often explored the worlds of rock and roll, horror, and science fiction. Some of his notable books include “Horror Show” (1996) and “Rubber Soul” (2013), a mystery novel featuring the Beatles.

Most Popular