Rick Derringer, Iconic Guitarist and Producer, Passes Away at 77

Rick Derringer, the guitarist and singer who gained fame as a teenager with "Hang On Sloopy," has passed away at the age of 77. His death was confirmed on Monday by his caregiver, Tony Wilson, via a Facebook post. The cause of death remains undisclosed.

With a career that spanned decades, Derringer's contributions to music were vast. He not only recorded hits like "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," but also earned a Grammy Award for producing "Weird Al" Yankovic's debut album. His influence extended through various genres, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

Wilson reflected on Derringer's impact, stating, "His legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent. His passing leaves a void in the music world." This sentiment resonates deeply within the industry, where Derringer was revered not just for his hits but for his collaborative spirit.

As a young artist, he formed The McCoys with his brother Randy, achieving success with "Hang On Sloopy," which reached No. 26 on the charts. Later, his solo career flourished with "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," a track that found renewed popularity when featured in the Netflix series "Stranger Things."

His most successful album, "All American Boy," released in 1973, included notable instrumentals like "Joy Ride" and "Time Warp." The Grammy he received was for producing Yankovic's hit "Eat It," which parodied Michael Jackson's work.

"I'm very sad to say that my friend, rock guitar legend Rick Derringer, has passed," Yankovic shared on Instagram alongside a photo of them together in the studio. He acknowledged Derringer's significant role in his early career, highlighting the guitar solo on "Eat It" as a defining moment.

Derringer's session work during the 1970s and '80s was prolific. He contributed to albums by renowned artists such as Steely Dan—on classics like "Countdown to Ecstasy" and "Gaucho"—as well as Todd Rundgren, Kiss, and Barbra Streisand. His guitar work was also featured on Air Supply's "Making Love Out of Nothing at All."

In the mid-1980s, he collaborated with Cyndi Lauper, touring with her band and contributing to three of her albums, including the iconic "True Colors." His musical journey also included touring with Ringo Starr and The All-Starr Band.

In 1985, Derringer produced "The Wrestling Album" for the World Wrestling Federation, which featured various wrestlers' theme songs. Among these was "Real American," which became synonymous with Hulk Hogan's persona in the wrestling world.