Rick Derringer dies at 77 after decades of shaping rock, pop, and wrestling music

Rick Derringer, celebrated American singer and guitarist known for his wide-ranging contributions to rock and pop music, has died at age 77. The news was shared by close friend Tony Wilson in a Facebook post, though no cause of death was provided.

Born Richard Zehringer in Ohio, Derringer began his music career in Union City, Indiana, with garage rock band the McCoys. At just 17, he fronted the group’s breakout hit “Hang on Sloopy,” which reached No. 1 in 1965. The track later became Ohio’s official rock song, cementing its cultural significance. The McCoys followed up with hits like “Fever” and “Come On, Let’s Go,” releasing five albums before joining forces with blues-rocker Johnny Winter in the group Johnny Winter And.

Derringer’s solo debut came in 1973 with All American Boy, featuring the enduring hard rock anthem “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.” The song later gained renewed fame through appearances in Dazed and Confused and Stranger Things. That same year, he played guitar and produced the Edgar Winter Group’s No. 1 instrumental “Frankenstein” and contributed to their hit “Free Ride.”

Though he released 14 solo albums, Derringer was perhaps best known as a sideman and producer. He worked with legends like Alice Cooper, Todd Rundgren, Steely Dan, Meat Loaf, Barbra Streisand, and Cyndi Lauper. His guitar work also featured on “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Grammy-winning “Eat It” and WWF’s “Real American,” Hulk Hogan’s theme song.

Later in life, Derringer toured with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band and recorded with his wife Jenda and their children. His final album, Rock the Yacht, was released in 2023.

A prolific and versatile artist, Derringer’s legacy spans generations and genres.