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Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Music Legends Share Heartfelt Memories of Iconic Guitarist Who Died at 77
Music Legends Share Heartfelt Memories of Iconic Guitarist Who Died at 77 originally appeared on Parade. Guitarist , known for his work with The McCoy's and hit song 'Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,' died in Ormond Beach Florida on Monday, May 26. Shooting to fame at just 17 years old when The McCoy's dropped 'Hang On Sloopy" in 1965, the legendary rocker collected a Grammy Award for producing 'Weird Al ' Yankovic's debut album over his decades long career. Derringer worked with several other iconic artists in various capacities serving as a producer for Cyndi Lauper, rocked the solo on 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' by Bonnie Tyler, and even did session work for Steely Dan. Fellow artist and alleged caretaker Tony Wilson made the heartbreaking announcement on Facebook the morning after his passing."To my rocking best friend Rick Derringer it was my pleasure to be with your caretaker was a natural thing..." Derringer had a remarkable "behind the scenes" resume. He had a hand in several beloved albums playing guitar with artists spanning genres from Barbera Streisand to Kiss. Derringer even left a mark on the World Wrestling Federation, producing their 'The Wrestling Album,' comprised of wrestler's theme songs that he also happened to work on. In fact, his hit "Real American" served as Hulk Hogan's iconic song. Many artists flooded social media with adoring memories of the late artist amid the news of his passing. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Cyndi Lauper recalled some of the incredible work they did together: "He was one of the great guitarists," she stated. "I co-wrote with him on my Blue Angel album. And we did wrestling music together which was so much fun. He played for me when I sang with Patti LaBelle on her special. He was in the band when I toured for True Colors in 86. And he's is also in the live at Le Zénith Paris video. We shared a lot of special moments together. Rest easy my friend." Beatles legend Ringo Starr also paid a beautiful homage to his fallen friend. "God bless Rick Derringer," he wrote on Instagram. "It was great playing with him in the All Starrs. I send peace and love to his family." And the love for Derringer doesn't stop there. In a recent Facebook post, Wilson noted his intention to honor the late artist on his birthday, August 5th, with a tribute show in Florida. Nothing has officially been scheduled as of yet. Music Legends Share Heartfelt Memories of Iconic Guitarist Who Died at 77 first appeared on Parade on May 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rock Icon Shares Eulogy To ‘Dear Friend' and Fellow Legend Who Died At 77
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Rock Icon Shares Eulogy To 'Dear Friend' and Fellow Legend Who Died At 77 originally appeared on Parade. There may not have been a Rick Derringer without Edgar Winter. Derringer, the legendary guitarist behind the classic rock hit, 'Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,' died on May 26 at age 77. As a teen, Derringer tasted success as part of the '60s rock group, The McCoys—best known for their hit, 'Hang On Sloopy.' However, in the 1970s, his career received a boost when he first collaborated with Johnny Winter, before joining his brother's band. As part of Edgar Winter's White Trash and then The Edgar Winter Group, Derringer produced and played on hit songs 'Frankenstein' and 'Free Ride.' Derringer also recorded versions of 'Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo' on the albums Johnny Winter And and Edgar Winter's Roadwork. But it's the version on Derringer's debut album, 1973's All American Boy, that became a Top 25 hit. Following Derringer's death, Edgar Winter shared a touching tribute to his friend on social media. 'I write this with a heavy heart, yet one filled with so many memories,' he wrote. 'I lost a dear friend and bandmate, and the world lost one of the greatest guitarists and writers in Rock 'n' Roll. Rick Derringer! 'Rick was one of the most gifted, versatile, and adaptable guitarists I ever had the honor and pleasure of working with. He was a kindred spirit who loved and understood all music,' continued Winter, who called Derringer a 'true artist and creative collaborator.' 'His positive energy both on and offstage with our bands…gave us (and the world) moments to treasure for all time,' concluded Edgar. 'Rick is now up there with Johnny — in Rock 'n ' Roll Blue Heaven! I look up to them both with undying love and admiration.' Rick Derringer is also known for 'Real American,' the theme song to WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan. Derringer also worked with KISS, Cyndi Lauper, Alice Cooper, Steely Dan and 'Weird Al' Yankovic. Derringer won a Best Comedy Recording Grammy for producing 'Eat It,' Yankovic's parody of Michael Jackson's 'Beat It.'Rock Icon Shares Eulogy To 'Dear Friend' and Fellow Legend Who Died At 77 first appeared on Parade on May 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
CBS News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Rick Derringer, who shot to fame with "Hang On Sloopy" and sang Hulk Hogan's theme song, dies at 77
Guitarist and singer Rick Derringer, who shot to fame at 17 when his band The McCoys recorded "Hang On Sloopy," had a hit with "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" and earned a Grammy Award for producing "Weird Al " Yankovic's debut album, has died. He was 77. Derringer died Monday in Ormond Beach, Florida, according to a Facebook announcement from his caregiver, Tony Wilson. No cause of death was announced. Derringer's decades in the music industry spanned teen stardom, session work for bands like Steely Dan, supplying the guitar solo on Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and producing for Cyndi Lauper. "Derringer's legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent. His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones," Wilson wrote. Guitarist Rick Derringer performs at Radio City Music Hall in New York on July 7, 2010. Evan Agostini / AP As a teen, he formed the McCoys with his brother, Randy, and found fame singing "Hang On Sloopy," a No. 26 hit about lovers from different socioeconomic circumstances. Derringer enjoyed his first solo hit with "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," which was used in the fourth season of "Stranger Things." His best-charting album was "All American Boy" in 1973, which included the instrumentals "Joy Ride" and "Time Warp." His sole Grammy was for Yankovic's "Eat It," which had the Michael Jackson parodies "Eat It" and "Who's Fat." "I'm very sad to say that my friend, rock guitar legend Rick Derringer, has passed," Yankovic said in an Instagram post with a photo of him and Derringer in the studio. "Rick produced my first six albums and played guitar on my earliest recordings, including the solo on 'Eat It.' He had an enormous impact on my life, and will be missed greatly." Throughout the 1970s and '80s, Derringer worked extensively as a session musician, playing on albums by Steely Dan — including "Countdown to Ecstasy," "Katy Lied" and "Gaucho" — Todd Rundgren, Kiss and Barbra Streisand. He played on Air Supply's "Making Love Out of Nothing at All." In the mid-1980s he began working with Lauper, touring in her band and playing on three of her albums, including the hit "True Colors." He toured with Ringo Starr and The All-Starr Band. In 1985, he produced the World Wrestling Federation's "The Wrestling Album," which consisted mostly of pro wrestlers' theme songs, many of which he co-wrote, including what would become Hulk Hogan's theme song "Real American."
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Rick Derringer, who had a hit with 'Hang On Sloopy' and produced 'Weird Al,' dies At 77
LOS ANGELES, May 28, (AP): Guitarist and singer Rick Derringer, who shot to fame at 17 when his band The McCoys recorded "Hang On Sloopy,' had a hit with "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo' and earned a Grammy Award for producing "Weird Al ' Yankovic's debut album, has died. He was 77. Derringer died Monday in Ormond Beach, Florida, according to a Facebook announcement from his caregiver, Tony Wilson. No cause of death was announced. Derringer's decades in the music industry spanned teen stardom, session work for bands like Steely Dan, supplying the guitar solo on Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart' and producing for Cyndi Lauper. "Derringer's legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent. His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones,' Wilson wrote. As a teen, he formed the McCoys with his brother, Randy, and found fame singing "Hang On Sloopy,' a No. 26 hit about lovers from different socioeconomic circumstances. Derringer enjoyed his first solo hit with "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,' which was used in the fourth season of "Stranger Things.' His best-charting album was "All American Boy' in 1973, which included the instrumentals "Joy Ride' and "Time Warp.' His sole Grammy was for Yankovic's "Eat It,' which had the Michael Jackson parodies "Eat It' and "Who's Fat.' "I'm very sad to say that my friend, rock guitar legend Rick Derringer, has passed,' Yankovic said in an Instagram post with a photo of him and Derringer in the studio. "Rick produced my first six albums and played guitar on my earliest recordings, including the solo on 'Eat It.' He had an enormous impact on my life, and will be missed greatly.' Throughout the 1970s and '80s, Derringer worked extensively as a session musician, playing on albums by Steely Dan - including "Countdown to Ecstasy,' "Katy Lied' and "Gaucho' - Todd Rundgren, Kiss and Barbra Streisand. He played on Air Supply's "Making Love Out of Nothing at All.' In the mid-1980s he began working with Lauper, touring in her band and playing on three of her albums, including the hit "True Colors.' He toured with Ringo Starr and The All-Starr Band. In 1985, he produced the World Wrestling Federation's "The Wrestling Album,' which consisted mostly of pro wrestlers' theme songs, many of which he co-wrote, including what would become Hulk Hogan's theme song "Real American.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beloved Rock Legend Rick Derringer Dead at 77
The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of a legendary rock musician after classic rock guitarist, singer, producer, and songwriter Rick Derringer died this week at 77 years old. Derringer's longtime friend and caretaker, Tony Wilson, shared the news via Facebook, per The Independent. The guitarist was surrounded by his wife, Jenda, and Wilson when he passed on May 26 in Ormond Beach, Florida. No cause of death was announced at the time, though an official Facebook page for Derringer and his wife had detailed several health issues in recent months, including an ankle bypass in March 2025. The final post from his Facebook profile came back on April 17 with a message that read: "We're all feeling great! Rick, Jenda and Derringer Dog, Lana Grace." "With a career spanning six decades, The Legendary Rick Derringer left an indelible mark on the music industry as a guitarist, Singer songwriter, and producer. As a member of the McCoys, he achieved fame with hits like 'Hang On Sloopy.' Still live and well, Derringer also worked with notable artists such as Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Weird Al, Cyndi Lauper, and Barbra Streisand, and penned hits like 'Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo' and 'Real American,'" read a statement from Derringer's caretaker. "Derringer's legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent. His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones." Derringer first rose to prominence when his band The McCoys recorded "Hang on Sloopy," which reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 back in 1965. He eventually joined Johnny Winter in 1969, creating the band Johnny Winter And. Derringer shot to fame at age 17 when his band The McCoys recorded 'Hang On Sloopy.' The song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1965. Later in his career, Derringer worked "extensively with singer Cyndi Lauper, produced Weird Al Yankovic's first album, and wrote and produced many popular theme songs for wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan's 'Real American,' according to Rock Legend Rick Derringer Dead at 77 first appeared on Men's Journal on May 27, 2025
