Rick Derringer, the classic rock guitarist, singer, and producer, has died at 77.
Tony Wilson, a long-time friend of Derringer’s, announced the news on Facebook, noting that he and Derringer’s wife, Jenda, were by Derringer’s side at the time of his death.
Wilson did not disclose the cause of death but wrote that Derringer’s legacy goes beyond his music, highlighting 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.
Born Richard Zehringer on Aug. 5, 1947, in Fort Recovery, Ohio, Derringer gained fame as a teenager in the 1960s with The McCoys. Their debut single, “Hang On Sloopy,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965, surpassing The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction.”
The track’s infectious energy introduced a prodigious young talent, and Derringer went on to make a significant impact on rock music.
He worked extensively with legends such as Johnny and Edgar Winter, Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, and “Weird Al” Yankovic. His guitar work on tracks like “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride” helped define the sound of 1970s rock.
In 1973, Derringer released his solo album “All American Boy,” featuring the hit “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” a lasting classic.
As a versatile musician and producer, Derringer also built a reputation behind the scenes, working on a wide range of albums across genres. He earned a Grammy Award for his production work with “Weird Al” Yankovic and contributed to albums by Barbra Streisand, Todd Rundgren, and others.
In the 1980s and beyond, he explored Christian rock and continued to tour and record prolifically.
Derringer is survived by his wife, Jenda, and their children.