Latest news with #RockandRollHootchieKoo
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.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
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.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Cyndi Lauper collaborator Rick Derringer dies as tributes pour in
Rick Derringer has died it's been announced. The news has prompted tributes to the late musician who died aged 77, who worked with the likes of Cyndi Lauper in his career, which spanned more than six decades. His longtime friend and caretaker Tony Wilson confirmed the news, stating that Rick passed away on Monday night 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 honour 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.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Rick Derringer, 'Hang on Sloopy' singer and 'Real American' writer, dies at 77
Rick Derringer, the iconic American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known for the No. 1 hit 'Hang on Sloopy' and the wrestling anthem 'Real American', has died at the age of 77 in Ormond Beach, Florida. The news was confirmed by his caretaker Tony Wilson and Guitar Player magazine. A cause of death was not revealed, but Derringer had been in poor health in recent months. Born Richard Dean Zehringer in Ohio, Derringer rose to fame in 1965 with the McCoys' chart-topping single 'Hang on Sloopy'. He later found solo success with 'Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo', a classic that re-entered pop culture through Stranger Things. He also produced Edgar Winter's 'Frankenstein', which hit No. 1 on Billboard in 1973. Derringer was a session guitarist for major acts like Steely Dan, Kiss, Barbra Streisand, and Bonnie Tyler. His powerful guitar solos featured on 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' and Air Supply's 'Making Love Out of Nothing at All.' In the mid-1980s, Derringer became a key figure in pro wrestling music, co-writing and producing 'Real American' for Hulk Hogan. The track became a political anthem, used by Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump. Derringer toured with Ringo Starr's All Starr Band, collaborated with Cyndi Lauper, and later embraced Christian music alongside his wife, Jenda. His lasting influence on rock, wrestling, and American pop culture remains unmatched.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rick Derringer, Singer of ‘Hang on Sloopy,' Writer of ‘Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo' and ‘Real American' Wrestling Theme, Dies at 77
Rick Derringer, whose six-decade career spanned teen stardom as lead singer of the '60s smash 'Hang on Sloopy,' a '70s solo hit with 'Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo,' session work with artists from Steely Dan to Barbra Streisand, and extensive work as a writer and producer of wrestling themes like Hulk Hogan's seemingly ageless 'Real American,' has died, according to an announcement from his caretaker, Tony Wilson, and Guitar Player magazine. Wilson's post states that Derringer died Monday evening in Ormond Beach, Fl. No cause of death was announced although Derringer had been in ill health in recent months; he was 77. A fiery and remarkably versatile guitarist, a strong singer and a high-profile presence on New York's rock scene of the '70s and '80s, Derringer also produced the Edgar Winter Group's 1972 smash single 'Frankenstein' and served as the band's guitarist for several years; worked closely with Winter's brother Johnny as a guitarist and producer; produced 'Weird' Al Yankovic's first album; and even gave Patti Smith her first major credit, on the song 'Jump' from Derringer's 1973 debut solo album, 'All-American Boy.' His eponymous band released several albums and toured heavily throughout the mid and late '70s — the band's final major incarnation featured Neil Giraldo, who immediately afterward scored major success as Pat Benatar's cowriter and guitarist (and husband to this day). Derringer and his first wife, Liz, were also members of Andy Warhol's extended circle and frequently appeared in rock magazines of the era. In his later years he worked extensively with singer Cyndi Lauper and wrote and produced many popular theme songs for wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan's 'Real American,' which has the curious legacy of being used as a theme song by Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Born Richard Dean Zehringer in Ohio in 1947, the young Derringer received a guitar for his ninth birthday and began playing local gigs with his uncle, a country musician, before he was in high school. As a teen he formed a band called the McCoys with his brother Randy. In the summer of 1965 the songwriting-production team the Strangeloves — comprised of Richard Gottehrer, Jerry Goldstein and Bob Feldman, who'd scored a major hit with 'I Want Candy' — hired the group as a backing band and soon after enlisted them to record a cover of the song 'My Girl Sloopy,' originally released by the Vibrations the previous year. With the title altered to 'Hang on Sloopy,' the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 that summer — replacing Barry McGuire's grim 'Eve of Destruction' — around the time Derringer (still working under his born name) turned 18. The hit has become a kind of theme song for Derringer's home state and, in a foretelling of his later years making music for professional sports, has been a staple of Ohio State football game for decades. The McCoys, who opened for the Rolling Stones on their first major North American tour, had minor follow-up hits but did not repeat that success, and began working with blues guitarist Johnny Winter in the late 1960s and, later, his brother Edgar, touring with both and playing on and producing their albums. The partnership with Edgar produced a massive single with 1972's 'Frankenstein,' an instrumental the band had been playing around with for years; the title came from the look of the master tape, which had so many segments spliced together that the musicians said it resembled the horror-movie character's stitches. The song, produced by Derringer, topped the Billboard Hot 100 in May of 1973; he went on to replace Ronnie Montrose in the band shortly after and remained the Edgar Winter Group's guitarist and producer for the next three years. Also in 1973, Derringer enjoyed his first solo hit with 'Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo' (which has had such a long life that it was used in the fourth season of 'Stranger Things') and, after leaving Winter, launched his self-titled solo band, which toured extensively throughout the decade and released several albums; their concerts were heavy on guitar dueling and showmanship, and climaxed with Derringer and his second guitarist dramatically throwing their guitars to each other from opposite sides of the stage. Throughout the 1970s and '80s Derringer also worked extensively as a session musician, playing on albums by Steely Dan (including 'Countdown to Ecstasy,' 'Katy Lied' and 'Gaucho'), Todd Rundgren, Kiss and even Barbra Streisand. In the early 1980s he soloed on two massive singles written by Meatloaf mastermind Jim Steinman: Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' and Air Supply's 'Making Love Out of Nothing at All.' In the mid-1980s he began working with singer Cyndi Lauper, touring in her band and playing on three of her albums (including the hit 'True Colors'), but perhaps more significant was the fact that it led to his entrée into the world of professional wrestling. In 1985, he produced the World Wrestling Federation's 'The Wrestling Album,' which consisted primarily mostly of pro wrestlers' theme songs, many of which he co-wrote. Most notable among these was Hulk Hogan's theme song 'Real American,' which was used by President Barack Obama at the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner when unveiling his birth certificate; as a campaign song by Hillary Clinton; and, inevitably, frequently by President Donald Trump. In his later years he toured with Ringo Starr's All Starr Band as well as Peter Frampton, Carmine Appice and others, aligned with conservative causes and released several Christian-themed albums with his wife, Jenda. 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