27-05-2025
Rick Derringer dead at 77: Grammy-winning classic rock guitarist who worked with Cyndi Lauper & had number 1 hit dies
RICK Derringer, guitarist behind the garage rock number-one hit Hang On Sloopy, has died at 77.
The musician passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, according to a Facebook post by longtime friend and carer Tony Wilson.
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Rick had suffered from several health issues in recent months, according to the post, though no specific cause of death was given.
He shot to fame when he was just 17 after his band, The McCoys, recorded 'Hang On Sloopy" in 1965.
The record hit number one and is revered as a classic from the garage rock era.
After four years of touring, three members of The McCoys including Rick joined forces with the long-white-haired blues rocker Johnny Winter, in 1969.
As a four-piece the group put out an album called Johnny Winter And.
Rick later joined Johnny's brother, Edgar Winter, full-time in his band White Trash, releasing the EP Roadwork.
In 1973, he worked a solo album, All American Boy, which featured the hit single Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.
Over the ensuing years Rick played alongside a string of rock'n'roll greats including Alice Cooper, Steely Dan, Richie Havens, Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, and Kiss - amongst others.
He is also credited with discovering Weird Al Yankovic, producing music for his albums and videos, such as the Michael Jackson parodies 'Eat It' and 'Who's Fat.'
Rick's sole Grammy Award came from his work producing Yankovic's albums.
