Rick Derringer, the guitar virtuoso and rock singer best known for “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” and his early fame with The McCoys’ hit “Hang On Sloopy”, has died at the age of 77. His passing was confirmed Monday in Ormond Beach, Florida, by his longtime caregiver, Tony Wilson, via Facebook. No official cause of death was announced.
Derringer leaves behind a legacy deeply woven into the fabric of American rock music. His career, which began in his teens, spanned over five decades and included hit singles, legendary guitar solos, major collaborations, and even a Grammy Award.
Early Fame With The McCoys
Rick Derringer was only 17 years old when his band The McCoys recorded “Hang On Sloopy”, a track that rocketed up the charts and introduced him to stardom. That song, released in the 1960s, gave voice to youthful rebellion and romance, and became an anthem for a generation.
“Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” and Solo Stardom
After The McCoys, Derringer launched a successful solo career. His signature hit, “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo”, became a staple of classic rock playlists and was recently introduced to younger fans through its inclusion in the Netflix series “Stranger Things.”
His 1973 album All American Boy remains his most popular work, featuring both that hit and instrumental tracks like “Joy Ride” and “Time Warp.”
Grammy-Winning Producer and Collaborator
Derringer wasn’t just a star in front of the mic—he was also a highly sought-after producer and session musician. In the 1980s, he produced the debut album of “Weird Al” Yankovic, winning a Grammy for “Eat It,” a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.”
“Weird Al” paid tribute on Instagram, saying:
“Rick produced my first six albums and played guitar on my earliest recordings… He had an enormous impact on my life, and will be missed greatly.”
A Go-To Guitarist for Legends
Derringer’s guitar can be heard on some of rock’s most iconic records. He contributed solos and rhythm parts to Steely Dan albums including Countdown to Ecstasy, Katy Lied, and Gaucho. He also worked with Todd Rundgren, Kiss, Barbra Streisand, and performed the unforgettable solo in Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”
He even lent his talents to Air Supply’s power ballad “Making Love Out of Nothing at All.”
Touring with the Greats and Helping Cyndi Shine
In the mid-1980s, Derringer joined Cyndi Lauper as a guitarist on tour and played on several of her albums, including the hit “True Colors.” He was later part of Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band, continuing to stay active and relevant in the live music scene.
Unexpected Contributions: WWF and “Real American”
In 1985, Derringer took on a unique project: producing the World Wrestling Federation’s “The Wrestling Album.” He co-wrote many of the songs, including “Real American,” which became Hulk Hogan’s iconic theme song and is still recognized today by wrestling fans and pop culture lovers alike.
Remembering Rick Derringer
Tony Wilson, who confirmed the news of Derringer’s death, shared heartfelt words on social media:
“Rick’s legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent… He will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones.”