Rick Derringer, Singer-Songwriter Known for ‘Hang on Sloopy’ and ‘Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,’ Dies at 77
- Rick Derringer, the classic rock guitarist-songwriter known for hits like “Hang on Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” has passed away at the age of 77 in Ormond Beach, Florida.
Rick Derringer, the classic rock guitarist-songwriter best known for performing the garage rock hit "Hang on Sloopy" and for writing "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," has died. He was 77.
"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," Wilson said in a statement on Facebook. He didn't disclose a cause of death but said Derringer died in Ormond Beach, Florida. "Derringer's legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent. His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues and loved ones."
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Wilson wrote that "out of respect for Rick Derringer's family and loved ones, details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced" at a later date.
Derringer was born in Celina, Ohio, in 1947. He first broke through with his band The McCoys in the '60s, with "Hang on Sloopy" topping the Hot 100 in 1965. Their next single, a cover of the song "Fever," peaked at No. 7 on the chart.
By the '70s, Derringer found further success with his song "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo." Johnny Winter first released a version of the song in 1970 on the album Johnny Winter And, which featured Derringer and fellow McCoys members Randy Jo Hobbs and Randy Zehringer. Derringer released his own version in 1973, with that one hitting No. 23 on the Hot 100.
Derringer worked with Johnny's brother Edgar Winter as well, producing his songs "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride." He also wrote and performed "Real American," which appeared on the WWF's Wrestling Album that he produced. That song would become Hulk Hogan's theme.
Derringer was prolific, working with a range of major acts including Cyndi Lauper, Kiss, Steely Dan, Barbra Streisand, Bonnie Tyler and Ringo Starr. He produced "Weird Al" Yankovic's first six albums, winning a Grammy for "Eat It" (a parody of Michael Jackson's "Beat It") in 1984 for best comedy recording.
"I'm very sad to say that my friend, rock guitar legend Rick Derringer, has passed," Yankovic wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. "He had an enormous impact on my life and will be missed greatly."
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