Remembering Rick Derringer: Guitar hero behind "Hang On Sloopy," "Weird Al" hits, and more, dies at 77
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The music world is saying goodbye to a man whose work spanned generations, genres, and pop culture touchstones.
Rick Derringer, the acclaimed guitarist and producer who first rose to fame with the chart-topping hit “Hang On Sloopy” in the 1960s and later helped define the sound of artists like “Weird Al” Yankovic and Cyndi Lauper, has died at the age of 77.
His passing was confirmed by longtime caregiver Tony Wilson in Ormond Beach, Florida.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Derringer leaves behind a rich legacy that stretches from teen rock stardom to classic rock anthems, Grammy-winning comedy albums, and even the world of professional wrestling.
Derringer first made waves at just 17 years old as the frontman of The McCoys, when their 1965 single “Hang On Sloopy” hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
The upbeat tune—brimming with youthful swagger and catchy hooks—cemented its place in American music history and eventually became the official rock song of Ohio.
But that breakout moment was just the beginning.
A rock staple and Netflix favorite
Derringer’s solo career took off in the 1970s with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” a hard-hitting anthem that earned its place on countless classic rock playlists.
The song found new life decades later when it was featured in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things, introducing his music to a new generation of fans.
His 1973 album All American Boy showcased his talents not only as a performer but as a composer, offering instrumental tracks like “Joy Ride” and “Time Warp” that demonstrated both skill and imagination.
Also read: Shocking shootout: What really happened to death metal legend Brian Montana?
A quiet powerhouse behind the scenes
Though not always in the spotlight, Derringer's guitar work could be heard on some of the biggest hits of the ’70s and ’80s.
He was a trusted session musician for major acts like Steely Dan, Todd Rundgren, Barbra Streisand, and Kiss.
That unforgettable guitar solo in Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”? That was Derringer.
The sweeping sound of Air Supply’s “Making Love Out of Nothing at All”? Him again.
He had a gift for enhancing a song without overshadowing it—an ability that made him a go-to collaborator for so many.
Also read: Tragic Loss in the Music and Film World: Iconic Legend Kris Kristofferson Passes Away at 88 – Remember his incredible journey!
Shaping the sound of parody—and pop culture
In 1984, Derringer produced “Weird Al” Yankovic’s debut album, which included hits like “Eat It”—a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”—and “I Love Rocky Road.”
The album was a breakout success and earned Derringer a Grammy Award, cementing his status not only as a rock musician but as a respected producer who could cross genres with ease.
Also read: Reggae pioneer dies at 80—remembering the “gentle soul” who changed music forever
From Cyndi Lauper to Hulk Hogan
Derringer’s versatility didn’t stop with rock or comedy.
He joined Cyndi Lauper’s touring band in the 1980s and contributed to three of her albums, including True Colors.
He also performed with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band, sharing the stage with some of rock’s biggest names.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Derringer entered the world of pro wrestling by writing and performing songs for the World Wrestling Federation’s 1985 The Wrestling Album.
His most famous contribution: “Real American,” the theme song forever associated with wrestling icon Hulk Hogan.
Also read: Remembering Shigeru Sugita: The bodybuilding legend whose legacy went far beyond the stage
A legacy that spans decades
Rick Derringer’s music reached millions, whether they knew his name or not.
He was a gifted guitarist, a savvy producer, and a cultural connector who moved between the spotlight and the studio with ease.
His songs have endured across vinyl records, radio airwaves, TV shows, and streaming services—timeless reminders of an artist who knew how to rock but also how to evolve.
As fans and fellow musicians reflect on his decades of work, one thing is certain: Rick Derringer helped shape the soundtrack of modern America.
Read next: He brought us “Poetry in Motion”—now the music world mourns his passing at 86
Did Rick Derringer’s music play a part in your life? Maybe you danced to “Hang On Sloopy,” cranked up “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” or smiled at a “Weird Al” parody. We’d love to hear your stories and tributes in the comments!
Rick Derringer, the acclaimed guitarist and producer who first rose to fame with the chart-topping hit “Hang On Sloopy” in the 1960s and later helped define the sound of artists like “Weird Al” Yankovic and Cyndi Lauper, has died at the age of 77.
His passing was confirmed by longtime caregiver Tony Wilson in Ormond Beach, Florida.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Derringer leaves behind a rich legacy that stretches from teen rock stardom to classic rock anthems, Grammy-winning comedy albums, and even the world of professional wrestling.
Derringer first made waves at just 17 years old as the frontman of The McCoys, when their 1965 single “Hang On Sloopy” hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
The upbeat tune—brimming with youthful swagger and catchy hooks—cemented its place in American music history and eventually became the official rock song of Ohio.
But that breakout moment was just the beginning.
Remembering Rick Derringer, a versatile musician whose influence spanned decades. Image Source: YouTube / Rock Feed.
A rock staple and Netflix favorite
Derringer’s solo career took off in the 1970s with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” a hard-hitting anthem that earned its place on countless classic rock playlists.
The song found new life decades later when it was featured in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things, introducing his music to a new generation of fans.
His 1973 album All American Boy showcased his talents not only as a performer but as a composer, offering instrumental tracks like “Joy Ride” and “Time Warp” that demonstrated both skill and imagination.
Also read: Shocking shootout: What really happened to death metal legend Brian Montana?
A quiet powerhouse behind the scenes
Though not always in the spotlight, Derringer's guitar work could be heard on some of the biggest hits of the ’70s and ’80s.
He was a trusted session musician for major acts like Steely Dan, Todd Rundgren, Barbra Streisand, and Kiss.
That unforgettable guitar solo in Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”? That was Derringer.
The sweeping sound of Air Supply’s “Making Love Out of Nothing at All”? Him again.
He had a gift for enhancing a song without overshadowing it—an ability that made him a go-to collaborator for so many.
Also read: Tragic Loss in the Music and Film World: Iconic Legend Kris Kristofferson Passes Away at 88 – Remember his incredible journey!
Shaping the sound of parody—and pop culture
In 1984, Derringer produced “Weird Al” Yankovic’s debut album, which included hits like “Eat It”—a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”—and “I Love Rocky Road.”
The album was a breakout success and earned Derringer a Grammy Award, cementing his status not only as a rock musician but as a respected producer who could cross genres with ease.
Also read: Reggae pioneer dies at 80—remembering the “gentle soul” who changed music forever
From Cyndi Lauper to Hulk Hogan
Derringer’s versatility didn’t stop with rock or comedy.
He joined Cyndi Lauper’s touring band in the 1980s and contributed to three of her albums, including True Colors.
He also performed with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band, sharing the stage with some of rock’s biggest names.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Derringer entered the world of pro wrestling by writing and performing songs for the World Wrestling Federation’s 1985 The Wrestling Album.
His most famous contribution: “Real American,” the theme song forever associated with wrestling icon Hulk Hogan.
Also read: Remembering Shigeru Sugita: The bodybuilding legend whose legacy went far beyond the stage
A legacy that spans decades
Rick Derringer’s music reached millions, whether they knew his name or not.
He was a gifted guitarist, a savvy producer, and a cultural connector who moved between the spotlight and the studio with ease.
His songs have endured across vinyl records, radio airwaves, TV shows, and streaming services—timeless reminders of an artist who knew how to rock but also how to evolve.
As fans and fellow musicians reflect on his decades of work, one thing is certain: Rick Derringer helped shape the soundtrack of modern America.
Read next: He brought us “Poetry in Motion”—now the music world mourns his passing at 86
Did Rick Derringer’s music play a part in your life? Maybe you danced to “Hang On Sloopy,” cranked up “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” or smiled at a “Weird Al” parody. We’d love to hear your stories and tributes in the comments!
