Known for his legendary guitar playing and songwriting skills, Rick Derringer – the man behind popular tunes such as “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” and “Hang on Sloopy” – passed away on May 27, 2025. Throughout a career spanning over six decades, Derringer left an indelible mark in rock, pop, and even wrestling, collaborating with artists ranging from Steely Dan to Cyndi Lauper, and contributing iconic tracks that have become staples of American pop culture.
Here’s what we know so far about Rick Derringer’s death.
Rick Derringer passes away at 77, claims report
Noted guitarist and songwriter Rick Derringer, famous for hits like “Hang on Sloopy,” “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” and the iconic theme song “Real American,” has passed away at the age of 77.
According to a confirmation from his caretaker, Tony Wilson, it was announced that he (Derringer) sadly passed away on Monday evening in Ormond Beach, Florida. Derringer had apparently been experiencing poor health for some time, but the reason behind his demise remains undisclosed.
Richard Zehringer, born in Celina, Ohio in 1947, started playing guitar at age nine. Alongside his brother Randy, he formed The McCoys during his teenage years. Their 1965 hit single “Hang on Sloopy” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was officially recognized as Ohio’s rock song in 1985. Later, The McCoys opened for the Rolling Stones and worked together with Johnny and Edgar Winter.
In 1973, Derringer’s solo rendition of “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” climbed to No. 23 on the Hot 100 chart. He was the one who created Edgar Winter’s hit instrumental “Frankenstein,” which peaked at number one, and subsequently toured with the Edgar Winter Group. Throughout the 70s and 80s, he collaborated with artists like Todd Rundgren, Steely Dan, Kiss, Barbra Streisand, and Alice Cooper.
During the 1980s, Derringer collaborated with Cyndi Lauper, producing the Wrestling Album for the WWF. He was a joint author of “Real American,” which became well-known as Hulk Hogan’s theme song and was later used by Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump. Furthermore, he was responsible for the production of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s first six albums, winning a Grammy in 1984 for “Eat It.
Later in his career, Rick Derringer performed alongside Ringo Starr, Peter Frampton, and Carmine Appice. Recently, Weird Al Yankovic expressed his sadness by writing, “I’m deeply saddened to announce that my friend, the legendary rock guitarist Rick Derringer, has passed away… His influence on my life was immense.
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2025-05-28 08:41