Rick Derringer

Rick Derringer
Derringer playing guitar onstage
Derringer performing at
New Haven Coliseum in 1977
Background information
Birth nameRichard Dean Zehringer
Born(1947-08-05)August 5, 1947
Celina, Ohio, U.S.
DiedMay 26, 2025(2025-05-26) (aged 77)
Ormond Beach, Florida, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • producer
Template:Force singular
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
Years active1965–2025
Formerly ofThe McCoys
Websiterickderringer.com

Rick Derringer (born Richard Dean Zehringer; August 5, 1947 – May 26, 2025) was an American musician, producer, and songwriter. He was known for being a member of the McCoys. After releasing All American Boy, Derringer became a solo artist.

Derringer later became known for his 1973 song "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo". He worked with brothers Edgar and Johnny Winter, producing all of their gold and platinum records, including Edgar Winter's hits "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride" (both in 1973).

Derringer also worked with Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, and "Weird Al" Yankovic, producing Yankovic's Grammy Award-winning songs "Eat It" (1984) and "Fat" (1988).

Derringer died on May 26, 2025 in Ormond Beach, Florida from heart failure at the age of 77. He had undergone a triple heart bypass surgery just two months before his death.

References

  1. ↑ Aswad, Jem (May 27, 2025). "Rick Derringer, Singer of 'Hang on Sloopy,' Writer of 'Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo' and 'Real American' Wrestling Theme, Dies at 77". Variety. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Rick Derringer, who shot to fame with "Hang On Sloopy" and sang Hulk Hogan's theme song, dies at 77". CBS News. May 28, 2025. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  3. ↑ Figueroa, Daniel (May 27, 2025). "Rick Derringer Dead Hulk : Hogan Real : American WWE". Darien Times. Archived from the original on May 28, 2025. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  4. ↑ Greg Oliver and Steve Johnson (2005). The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams. ECW Press. ISBN 978-1-5502-2683-6.
  5. ↑ "Legendary Rock Guitarist RICK DERRINGER Dies At 77". Blabbermouth.com. May 27, 2025. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  6. 1 2 "'Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo' Legend Dead At 77". TMZ.com. May 27, 2025. Retrieved May 27, 2025.

Other websites

Media related to Rick Derringer at Wikimedia Commons