Rick Derringer, the guitarist and singer who skyrocketed to fame at age 17 with The McCoys’ chart-topping hit “Hang On Sloopy,” and later made waves with his solo anthem “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” has di.ed. He was 77.
Derringer passed away Monday in Ormond Beach, Florida, according to a Facebook post by his caregiver, Tony Wilson. The cause of death has not been disclosed, per the Associated Press.
In addition to his success as a performer, Derringer won a Grammy Award for producing “Weird Al” Yankovic’s debut album.
Rick Derringer was born Richard Zehringer on August 5, 1947, in Fort Recovery, Ohio. He was a celebrated American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer whose career spanned over six decades. He rose to prominence at just 17 years old as the frontman of The McCoys.The band behind the 1965 No. 1 hit “Hang On Sloopy.” The song dethroned The Beatles’ “Yesterday” on the Billboard Hot 100 and established Derringer as a teenage rock sensation.
Following The McCoys’ initial success, Derringer went on to collaborate with major rock acts throughout the 1970s, including Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter. He played a key role in the Edgar Winter Group, contributing vocals and guitar to hits like “Free Ride.” In 1973, he released his own signature solo track, “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.”
Derringer was also an accomplished producer and studio musician. He earned a Grammy Award for producing the debut album of comedic music icon “Weird Al” Yankovic in the early 1980s.
Throughout his career, Derringer remained active as a touring musician, solo artist, and collaborator. He played alongside Alice Cooper, Todd Rundgren, Steely Dan, and Cyndi Lauper, and contributed to numerous studio albums. In the 1990s and 2000s, he also became known for his work in Christian music, after experiencing a spiritual reawakening.
Derringer’s influence was marked not just by his playing style—blending blues, rock, and pop—but by his adaptability and longevity in an ever-changing music industry. His songs were featured in films, commercials, and sports arenas.
