27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Rick Derringer, who had a hit with ‘Hang On Sloopy' and produced ‘Weird Al,' dies at 77
'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.
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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.'
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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.'
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.'
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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 primarily mostly of pro wrestlers' theme songs, many of which he co-wrote, including what would become Hulk Hogan's theme song 'Real American.'
