Rick Derringer, the legendary guitarist and rock icon known for hits like “Hang On, Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo,” has passed away at the age of 77 in Ormond Beach, according to TMZ and other sources.
His wife, Jenda, told TMZ that Derringer died peacefully after being taken off life support Monday night following a medical event. Tony Wilson, Derringer’s close friend and caretaker, shared that although Rick had undergone triple bypass surgery two months prior and was recovering well, he suddenly experienced what Wilson described as “some sort of shock” while preparing for bed on Monday evening. Derringer died at a hospital, though the family did not disclose which one.
Derringer’s career spanned six decades and crossed numerous musical genres. Born in Celina, Ohio, he first gained fame at 17 with the McCoys’ 1965 chart-topper “Hang On, Sloopy,” which unseated the Beatles’ “Yesterday” from the number one spot.
Throughout his career, Derringer collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Johnny and Edgar Winter, Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Weird Al Yankovic, Cyndi Lauper, and Barbra Streisand. He notably produced the Edgar Winter Group’s 1972 No. 1 hit “Frankenstein” and played guitar for the band for several years.
Derringer’s 1973 solo hit “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo,” originally recorded by Johnny Winter, became more famous in his version and has recently appeared on the soundtrack of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” Season 4.
In 1976, he formed his own band, known for energetic guitar battles and lively performances. Concurrently, Derringer worked extensively as a session musician on albums by Steely Dan, Todd Rundgren, Alice Cooper, Kiss, and Barbra Streisand.
In the early 1980s, Derringer contributed iconic guitar solos to two major singles written by Jim Steinman: Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and Air Supply’s “Making Love Out of Nothing at All.”
His partnership with Cyndi Lauper in the mid-1980s led to his involvement with professional wrestling music. He produced the World Wrestling Federation’s “The Wrestling Album” in 1985, which included the enduring Hulk Hogan entrance theme “Real American.” The song has also been used by political figures such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump.
Fans and fellow musicians mourned Derringer’s passing on social media. Musician Billy Chapin from New Smyrna Beach shared his gratitude for having worked with Derringer in 2023, recalling their conversations about music and career, and expressing regret that they never performed live together.
Rick Derringer’s impact on rock and popular music remains widely celebrated.