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American Military News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- American Military News
Classic rock guitarist, ‘Real American' singer Rick Derringer dies at 77
Classic rock guitarist and 'Real American' singer Rick Derringer has died. He was 77 years old. His longtime wife, Jenda Derringer, told TMZ he died 'peacefully' at a hospital in Ormond Beach, Florida, after being taken off life support following a medical emergency involving his heart. He reportedly underwent triple bypass surgery two months ago. The Ohio native first gained fame with his band the McCoys, whose 'Hang on Sloopy' was a No. 1 hit in 1965. He went on to work with Edgar and Johnny Winters in their bands, playing on classic rock radio staples like 'Frankenstein,' another No. 1 hit. He also collaborated with Steely Dan, 'Weird Al' Yankovic, Todd Rundgren, Alice Cooper, Barbara Streisand and toured several times with Cyndi Lauper. He played the guitar solo on Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' written by frequent partner Jim Steinman. Derringer had a solo hit of his own with 'Real American,' a song recorded for a soundtrack for the World Wrestling Federation that became Hulk Hogan's theme music for several years. Lauper provided backing vocals on the tune. Richard Dean Zehringer was born in Celina, Ohio, on Aug. 5, 1947. He began playing music with his brother Randy in the late 1950s. Their band the McCoys was chosen by a set of record producers to record 'Hang on Sloopy,' which has since become a popular in-stadium anthem at Ohio State football games and Cleveland Guardians games. Later in his career, he joined star-studded lineups on tours with Ringo Starr and Peter Frampton while ultimately releasing more than 25 albums, including several blues and jazz LPs. Following a late-in-life conversion, he and his wife produced several Christian-themed albums. ___ © 2025 New York Daily News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Guitarist Rick Derringer dead aged 77
Rick Derringer, the celebrated classic rock guitarist whose career spanned over six decades, has died aged 77. His longtime friend and caretaker Tony Wilson confirmed the news, stating Derringer passed away at 8:09pm on Monday (26.05.25) in Ormond Beach, Florida, surrounded by his wife Jenda and Wilson himself. Tony said in a statement: '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.' He also noted Rick 'left an indelible mark on the music industry as a guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer'. Born Rick Zehringer in 1947, Derringer was a pioneering figure in rock music, best known as the co-founder of The McCoys. Alongside his brother Randy Zehringer, 75, and bass player Dennis Kelly, he formed the band in Ohio in 1962. The group achieved early success with the 1965 hit 'Hang On Sloopy', recorded when Derringer was just 17. His influence extended far beyond The McCoys, as he wrote the iconic 'Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo' – which featured in season four of 'Stranger Things' – and composed Hulk Hogan's 'Real American' wrestling theme. In addition to his own recordings, including his 1973 debut solo album 'All-American Boy', Rick produced 'Weird' Al Yankovic's first album and helped launch Patti Smith's career by giving her first major credit on the song 'Jump'. Throughout his life, he collaborated with a range of music heroes such as Alice Cooper, Barbra Streisand, Cyndi Lauper, and was known as a friend of Andy Warhol. In recent years, he toured worldwide with Ringo Starr and The All Starr Band. Tributes poured in on social media following the announcement. Vinny Appice, drummer for Black Sabbath and Rick's former bandmate, wrote online: 'Rick was a great guitarist and even more a teacher to me... we recorded three albums together and played many tours, opening for Aerosmith, Boston, Foghat and more.' John Corabi, former Mötley Crüe frontman, described Derringer as 'a brilliant guitarist/producer and songwriter'. Joe Bonamassa added: 'It was an honor to know you, work with you and call you a friend.' Ron Onesti, president of Onesti Entertainment and owner of the Arcada Theatre in Illinois, recalled a recent phone call with Rick in his tribute. He said: 'He called me from his bed a few days ago – we planned on his return to The Arcada. He said, 'I want nothing more.' 'I can't believe it. He is now in Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo Heaven. God bless him.' No cause of death has been officially disclosed, though Rick had faced several health issues recently, including undergoing an ankle bypass operation.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Classic rock guitarist, ‘Real American' singer Rick Derringer dies at 77
NEW YORK — Classic rock guitarist and 'Real American' singer Rick Derringer has died. He was 77 years old. His longtime wife, Jenda Derringer, told TMZ he died 'peacefully' at a hospital in Ormond Beach, Florida, after being taken off life support following a medical emergency involving his heart. He reportedly underwent triple bypass surgery two months ago. The Ohio native first gained fame with his band the McCoys, whose 'Hang on Sloopy' was a No. 1 hit in 1965. He went on to work with Edgar and Johnny Winters in their bands, playing on classic rock radio staples like 'Frankenstein,' another No. 1 hit. He also collaborated with Steely Dan, 'Weird Al' Yankovic, Todd Rundgren, Alice Cooper, Barbara Streisand and toured several times with Cyndi Lauper. He played the guitar solo on Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' written by frequent partner Jim Steinman. Derringer had a solo hit of his own with 'Real American,' a song recorded for a soundtrack for the World Wrestling Federation that became Hulk Hogan's theme music for several years. Lauper provided backing vocals on the tune. Richard Dean Zehringer was born in Celina, Ohio, on Aug. 5, 1947. He began playing music with his brother Randy in the late 1950s. Their band the McCoys was chosen by a set of record producers to record 'Hang on Sloopy,' which has since become a popular in-stadium anthem at Ohio State football games and Cleveland Guardians games. Later in his career, he joined star-studded lineups on tours with Ringo Starr and Peter Frampton while ultimately releasing more than 25 albums, including several blues and jazz LPs. Following a late-in-life conversion, he and his wife produced several Christian-themed albums.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ohio native singer, songwriter with ties to Ohio State, WWE dies
(WKBN) – A longtime singer and songwriter over the past 60 years with connections to The Ohio State University and WWE has died, according to multiple reports, including Variety. Read next: Man arrested, accused of impersonating police officer Ohio native Rick Derringer, 77, has died. Derringer became famous as a member of The McCoys. In 1965, the band recorded their number-one hit single, 'Hang on Sloopy.' The song is played at Ohio State football games and athletic events. Derringer also wrote the 1970s classic rock hit 'Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.' According to Derringer's website, he collaborated with several different artists in the 1970s and 1980s, including Alice Cooper, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, Kiss and Weird Al Yankovic. Derringer also collaborated on the song 'Real American,' the WWE theme song used for professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, as well as with the WWE for the theme song for the professional wrestling tag team Demolition. Variety states that no cause of for Derringer was given, but said that he had been ill in recent months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
