Legendary rock guitarist, Grammy-winning producer dies at 77
Legendary guitarist Rick Derringer, who rose to fame with his band The McCoys and produced several Grammy-winning records, died on Memorial Day. He was 77.
Derringer died in Ormond Beach, Florida on Monday, May 26, according to a Facebook post from his caregiver, Tony Wilson.
"With a career spanning six decades, The Legendary Rick Derringer left an indelible mark on the music industry as a guitarist, Singer songwriter, and producer," the post reads.
"Derringer's legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent," it continued. "His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones."
No cause of death was announced.
Derringer gained success in the 1960s as a member of The McCoys. The band's debut single, "Hang on Sloopy," became a No. 1 hit in 1965. The McCoys had several songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100, including covers of "Fever" and "Come on Let's Go." Derringer also earned a hit of his own in 1973 with "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," which peaked at No. 23.
Derringer worked with numerous major artists such as Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, KISS, Cyndi Lauper and Barbra Streisand.
He played guitar in bands for Edgar and Johnny Winter and produced all of the brothers' gold and platinum records, including "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride."
Derringer also produced "Weird Al" Yankovic's Grammy Award-winning songs "Eat It" (1984) and "Fat" (1988). He also produced two of the World Wrestling Federation's albums, containing the hits "Real American" and "Demolition," as well as three songs from the soundtrack of Tom Hanks' 1984 film "Bachelor Party."
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