Greg Kihn, 80s Power Pop Pioneer, Dies at 75 with Alzheimer's

Greg Kihn, the singer-songwriter whose infectious pop hits defined an era, died Tuesday at 75. His family announced the death, attributing it to complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Kihm joins the long list of celebrities who have had to deal with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

In a statement on his official website, Kihn died on August 13, 2024, following his battle with Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Kihn's music was a cornerstone of the power pop movement of the 1980s, but his influence stretched far beyond that decade. With the Greg Kihn Band, he scored two Top 20 hits: "The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)" and "Jeopardy." The latter became an MTV staple and has endured in the public consciousness, thanks in part to "Weird Al" Yankovic's parody, "I Lost on Jeopardy."

Born in Baltimore on July 10, 1949, Kihn relocated to the Bay Area in the 1970s. His musical journey began there with the release of his debut album in 1976. His subsequent work with Beserkely Records, alongside fellow power-pop acts like Earth Quake, the Rubinos, and Jonathan Richman, helped elevate the label's status.

80s Hits

Kihn's commercial breakthrough came with a series of playfully titled albums, starting with "Next of Kihn." With their catchy melodies and clever wordplay, these records propelled him to mainstream success.

Kihn's biggest hits were undeniably "The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)" and "Jeopardy," which propelled him to mainstream stardom. But his discography boasts many other infectious tunes. Songs like "Lucky," "Love and Rock and Roll," and "I'm in Love Again" showcased his ability to craft catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.

Matt McCann, today one of the nation's top long-term care planning specialists, was a top-40 radio personality at the time.

With 'The Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy,' Greg Kihn crafted two enduring hit songs that captured the essence of the 1980s while transcending the decade. These songs, with their infectious melodies and relatable lyrics, solidified his place in music history.

Stars Getting Older

McCann said it is sad seeing many of the stars of music and screen falling from chronic health issues, including dementia.

We are seeing so many TV, movie, and music stars now falling from age-related health issues. It reminds us that aging is a reality and planning for the future costs and burdens of long-term care is so important.

Health insurance and Medicare cover short-term skilled care, leaving families to shoulder the majority of long-term care costs. Without Long-Term Care Insurance or qualifying for Medicaid, the financial burden can be overwhelming. This unexpected expense often depletes savings, forces the sale of assets, and significantly impacts the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients.

To qualify for Medicaid, individuals must meet strict financial eligibility requirements that require very limited financial resources. Meanwhile, family caregivers are frequently unprepared for the physical, emotional, and financial demands of caregiving. The role can significantly impact their own health, relationships, and financial stability.

McCann says LTC insurance offers many American families a way to affordably ensure access to quality care services while protecting assets and limiting the burden otherwise placed on loved ones.

Too many people ignore the problem, believing they will never need long-term care. However, the number of people with dementia and other age-related problems is increasing dramatically, and the cost of care is rising sharply.

Memory Care Costs Rapidly Increasing

The cost of long-term care services will vary depending on where you live. For example, the cost of long-term care in San Franciso, California, is much more expensive than the cost of long-term care in Macon, Georgia.

A University of Michigan study found that people diagnosed with dementia experienced a devastating financial toll within the first eight years of their illness. Out-of-pocket healthcare costs more than doubled, while net worth plummeted by over 60%.

McCann notes that many people are concerned not only with the financial impact of future long-term care but also with its impact on their loved ones.

Most experts recommend considering an LTC Insurance policy as part of retirement planning when people are in their 40s or 50s. However, depending on their health, people in their 60s and even older can find affordable options.