Legendary musician and producer Rick Derringer died at the age of 77 on Monday (May 26th). The singer-guitarist was frontman of the 1960s band The McCoys (“Hang on Sloopy”) and a prolific solo artist (“Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo”), while also collaborating with countless notable artists during his 60-year career.
Derringer’s passing was confirmed by his wife, Jenda Derringer, who disclosed to TMZ that the musician died peacefully at a Florida hospital after being taken off life support following a medical episode. His caretaker, Tony Wilson, further noted that Derringer had been doing well after undergoing triple bypass surgery a couple months ago, but went into “some sort of shock” on Monday night.
Born in Celina, Ohio, as Richard Zehringer, he formed Rick and the Raiders in the early ’60s, later renaming the band The McKoys, and scoring a massive hit with their version of “Hang on Sloopy” in 1965.
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After The McKoys broke up in 1969, Rick and his brother Randy joined Edgar Winter’s band, with Rick producing and playing guitar on Winter’s signature 1973 hit “Frankenstein.”
Rick also carved out a lengthy solo career, releasing albums under his own name and with his eponymous band Derringer. His song “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” became a huge hit, and has since been used in Dazed and Confused and Stranger Things.
Derringer was also an in-demand guitarist, lending his skills to recordings by Barbra Streisand, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, and Bonnie Tyler (including her chart-topper “Total Eclipse of the Heart”).
He also notably produced “Weird Al” Yankovic’s first six albums, earning his only Grammy win for the song “Eat It.”
Our condolences go out to Rick Derringer’s family and friends during this difficult time. Revisit two of his biggest hits in the videos below.
Content shared from consequence.net.