The music world is mourning the loss of Rick Derringer, the iconic guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer whose six-decade career left an indelible mark on rock and roll. Derringer, best known for hits like “Hang On Sloopy” with The McCoys and his solo anthem “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” passed away on May 26, 2025, at age 77 in Ormond Beach, Florida. His death was confirmed by his longtime friend and caretaker, Tony Wilson, via a Facebook post, with his wife, Jenda Derringer, by his side. While no official cause of death was disclosed, reports from TMZ and The Times of India suggest Derringer suffered complications following triple bypass heart surgery in February 2025.
A Prodigy’s Rise to Fame
Born Richard Dean Zehringer on August 5, 1947, in Celina, Ohio, Derringer’s musical journey began early. At just 17, he skyrocketed to fame as the frontman of The McCoys, whose 1965 hit “Hang On Sloopy” topped the Billboard Hot 100, becoming an enduring anthem, especially for Ohio State fans. The song’s raw energy and catchy riff showcased Derringer’s early talent as a guitarist and vocalist. The McCoys, formed in Union City, Indiana, also charted with covers like “Fever” before disbanding in 1969.
Derringer’s versatility shone as he transitioned to a solo career and session work. In 1973, he released his debut solo album, All American Boy, featuring the iconic “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” a hard-rock classic later covered by Johnny Winter and featured in media like Stranger Things. The song’s infectious guitar riffs and rebellious spirit cemented Derringer’s status as a rock legend.
A Zelig of Rock: Collaborations and Contributions
Derringer’s career was defined by his chameleon-like ability to collaborate across genres and artists. He worked with rock royalty, including Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, Ringo Starr, Cyndi Lauper, and Barbra Streisand. His guitar work graced Steely Dan’s Countdown to Ecstasy, Katy Lied, and Gaucho, earning praise for its precision despite the band’s perfectionist reputation. With the Edgar Winter Group, Derringer produced and played on the 1972 No. 1 hit “Frankenstein,” blending rock and blues with virtuosic flair.
His production credits were equally impressive. Derringer won a Grammy for producing “Weird Al” Yankovic’s debut album, including hits like “Eat It” and “Fat,” and worked on Yankovic’s first six albums. Yankovic paid tribute on Instagram, writing, “Rick produced my first six albums and played guitar on my earliest recordings, including the solo on ‘Eat It.’ He had an enormous impact on my life and will be missed greatly.”
Derringer’s influence extended to pop culture through his work on The Wrestling Album for WWE (then WWF), where he co-wrote and performed Hulk Hogan’s iconic theme, “Real American,” with Bernard Kenny. Originally intended for the U.S. Express, the song became synonymous with Hogan’s “Hulkamania” era and was later used by politicians like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump.
A Life in Music and Beyond
Derringer’s career spanned rock, blues, pop, and even smooth jazz, showcasing his adaptability. He performed with the Derringers, a band featuring his wife, Jenda, and their children, and opened for acts like Van Halen and Aerosmith. His work with Johnny Winter taught him slide guitar, while his time with Edgar Winter’s White Trash and the Edgar Winter Group produced genre-blending hits like “Free Ride.”
Beyond music, Derringer had ties to Sarasota-Manatee, Florida, where he briefly worked as a Realtor and collaborated with local blues artist Damon Fowler, producing Fowler’s 1999 debut album, Riverview Drive. Fowler recalled, “Rick was a really great guy, a very interesting fellow, and I learned a lot from him.”
Health Struggles and Final Days
Derringer’s health had been declining in recent years. He underwent triple bypass heart surgery in February 2025 and an ankle bypass in March, according to posts on his official Facebook page. On May 26, he suffered a “medical episode” and was taken off life support, passing peacefully with Jenda and Tony Wilson by his side, per TMZ.
Tributes Pour In
The music community has been quick to honor Derringer’s legacy. Former Black Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice called him “a mentor and friend,” recalling their time recording and touring together. Blue Öyster Cult’s Joe Bouchard praised his “unmatched energy,” while John Corabi and Joe Bonamassa also shared heartfelt tributes on X. Fans on X echoed the sentiment, with one writing, “Rick Derringer’s passing leaves a void in the music world, but his legacy as a rock and roll legend will live on.”
Rolling Stone noted, “Derringer was a Zelig-like rocker,” highlighting his collaborations with everyone from Patti Smith to Peter Frampton. Parade Magazine and NBC News celebrated him as a “beloved ‘60s rock legend” whose work shaped decades of music.
A Lasting Legacy
Rick Derringer’s contributions to rock and roll are undeniable. From the garage-rock energy of “Hang On Sloopy” to the swagger of “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” and the cultural impact of “Real American,” his music resonated across generations. His session work and production elevated artists from Steely Dan to “Weird Al,” while his live performances, like those with Ringo Starr in 2011 or Peter Frampton’s 2014 Guitar Circus, showcased his enduring passion.
As fans and musicians mourn, Derringer’s discography—spanning All American Boy (No. 25 on Billboard 200 in 1974), Spring Fever, and Derringer Live—remains a testament to his talent. His philosophy, shared with Jazz Weekly, was simple yet profound: “Good songs are good songs.”
For more on Rick Derringer’s life and legacy, check out tributes on Rolling Stone, NBC News, and Billboard. How will you remember this rock icon? Share your thoughts below!
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