The music world recently lost a true icon. Rick Derringer, the guitar virtuoso whose riffs powered hits like “Hang On Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” passed away at the age of 77. But, my friends, his story is far more than just a couple of catchy tunes. This is a journey through a career that twisted and turned through rock, pop, wrestling themes, and even a stint in real estate! Buckle up; it’s gonna be a wild ride.
Teenage Dreams and “Hang On Sloopy”
Born Richard Dean Zehringer in Ohio, our man Rick got his hands on a guitar at the tender age of nine. Before he was even old enough to drive, he was tearing it up at local gigs with his uncle, a country musician. By his teens, he formed The McCoys with his brother Randy. Then boom! Lightning struck in the summer of ’65. The songwriting/production team The Strangeloves (yes, that’s the name they went by!) tapped them as a backing band and subsequently had them record a cover of “My Girl Sloopy.” But did they stop there? Of course not! With a rocked-up arrangement and a name change to “Hang On Sloopy,” The McCoys soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Can you believe that replaced Barry McGuire’s “Eve of Destruction”? Talk about a sonic whiplash!
“Hang on Sloopy” wasn’t just a chart-topper; it became an anthem. It’s practically the state song of Ohio and a staple at Ohio State football games. So, yeah, safe to say Rick made a mark.
Video: Rick Derringer Dead at 77
From McCoys to Winters and Frankenstein
After some follow-up hits that didn’t quite reach the same dizzying heights, The McCoys started working with blues guitar legend Johnny Winter. After a few years, Derringer teamed up with Johnny’s brother, Edgar Winter. Think: Edgar Winter Group’s 1972 smash hit “Frankenstein.” Derringer didn’t just play guitar. He *produced* the track. It’s an instrumental track so chopped up in the studio that the band named it after the stitched-together monster.
He then hopped over to replace Ronnie Montrose, becoming the Edgar Winter Group’s guitarist and producer for the next three years. Talk about a busy dude!
“Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” and Solo Stardom
1973 saw Derringer unleash his first solo hit, “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.” Sure, Johnny Winter recorded it first, but Derringer’s version? Iconic. It landed in the film “Dazed and Confused” and even “Stranger Things.” How many songs can boast that kind of staying power, huh?
He launched his own band, Derringer, in 1976, touring like mad and releasing several albums. These shows were all about guitar duels and showmanship. With Derringer and his second guitarist dramatically throwing their instruments to each other from opposite sides of the stage. Wild, right?
Video: Rock Legend Rick Derringer Dead at 77
Session Ace and the World of Weird Al
Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, Derringer became a sought-after session musician. I mean, the guy played on albums by Steely Dan, Todd Rundgren, Alice Cooper, Kiss, and even Barbra Streisand. Talk about a diverse resume!
In the early ’80s, he ripped guitar solos on Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and Air Supply’s “Making Love Out of Nothing at All.” From power ballads to soft rock anthems, Derringer’s guitar work was everywhere. But then, he entered the quirky universe of “Weird Al” Yankovic.
He produced Yankovic’s first six albums. This included “Eat It.” That’s right—Derringer earned a Grammy for *that* parody. Did he have mixed feelings about it? According to Guitar Player, Derringer felt his association with Yankovic pigeonholed him as a “novelty producer.” He noted, “As much as I love Weird Al… he singlehandedly ruined my production career.” Whoa! Brutal, right?
From Cyndi Lauper to Hulk Hogan: A Wrestling Theme Star is Born
In the mid-1980s, he worked with Cyndi Lauper. This, believe it or not, led him to the wrestling world! In 1985, he produced the World Wrestling Federation’s “The Wrestling Album.” He co-wrote many of the songs, including Hulk Hogan’s “Real American. “
And “Real American”? It’s a theme song that transcended wrestling. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump all used it at some point. Now *that’s* bipartisan appeal!
Later Years: Starr Power and Real Estate Dreams
In his later years, Derringer toured with Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band and Peter Frampton. He released several Christian-themed albums with his wife, Jenda. But here’s a twist. In the mid-2000s, he even dabbled in real estate in the Sarasota-Manatee area of Florida. In 2006, it was reported that he became a sales agent for McKenna and Associates Realty. Imagine showing up to buy a house, and *Rick Derringer* is your realtor!
Rick Derringer’s Impact
So, what’s the takeaway? Rick Derringer was more than just a musician; he was a pop culture chameleon. From teen idol to session ace, wrestling theme composer to real estate agent, his career was anything but boring. He leaves behind a legacy of catchy tunes, killer guitar riffs, and some truly bizarre career choices. He died peacefully after being taken off life support Monday night following a medical episode. Derringer had undergone triple bypass surgery two months before his death, according to his wife.
Rick Derringer may be gone, but his music? That’s gonna “hang on,” sloopy (pun intended) for a long, long time. Rock on, Rick!
Video: HIS LAST VIDEO : Rick Derringer, ‘Hang on Sloopy’ Singer, ‘Real American’ Writer, Dies
A Legacy Across Genres: Rick Derringer’s Collaborations
Derringer’s versatility made him a sought-after collaborator, and the list of artists he worked with is truly mind-boggling. Let’s take a quick peek at some of the highlights:
- Johnny and Edgar Winter: A cornerstone of his career, producing and playing on their most iconic tracks.
- Steely Dan: Adding his guitar magic to their sophisticated soundscapes.
- Alice Cooper: Injecting some rock ‘n’ roll swagger into Cooper’s theatrical performances.
- Cyndi Lauper: Touring and playing on her albums, bridging rock and pop.
- “Weird Al” Yankovic: Producing some of the most iconic parodies in music history.
But wait, there’s more! He also played on records by Todd Rundgren, Kiss, Barbra Streisand, Bonnie Tyler, and Air Supply. His guitar work can be heard across a dizzying array of genres and styles.
So, next time you hear a classic rock anthem, a pop ballad, or even a polka parody, keep an ear out. You might just be hearing the unmistakable sound of Rick Derringer.
The Guitarist’s Guitarist: Derringer’s Influence
Even Duane Allman himself was inspired by a young Rick Derringer during the former’s early years. According to the musician himself, Allman credited Derringer for inspiring him to play no small honor considering that Allman became known as the best slide guitarist of all time in his all-too-brief life.
As Derringer explained, Winter had shown him the basics of slide playing well before the McCoys had broken up, and he had begun putting his new skills to use. Johnny showed me a lot, he toldGuitar Player. To me, hes one of the best exponents of the slide guitar. I played it a lot in the McCoys when we were traveling. As Derringer explained, he played slide in open E tuning. I use a metal bar on my little finger so I can play with my other fingers
I used to get them made at a plumbing shop because that was a heavier bar, and I could get exactly the size I wanted for my finger and have it polished down real nice.
What do you think? Did Rick Derringer deserve more recognition for his contributions to music? Let me know in the comments below!
Rick Derringer: A Timeline of Musical Milestones
Okay, so we’ve covered a lot, right? But let’s put it all into perspective with a quick rundown of some of Rick Derringer’s most significant moments. Think of it as a “Derringer Decades” highlight reel:
- 1965: The McCoys hit number one with “Hang On Sloopy.” Teenage dreams do come true!
- Early 1970s: Rocking with Johnny and Edgar Winter, producing the iconic “Frankenstein. “
- 1973: “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” becomes a solo hit. Hello, immortality in classic rock playlists!
- Late 1970s – 1980s: Session work extraordinaire. Seriously, name a genre, he probably played on it.
- Early 1980s: Producing “Weird Al” Yankovic and winning a Grammy (that may or may not have been a mixed blessing!).
- Mid 1980s: Composing “Real American” for Hulk Hogan. From the wrestling ring to political rallies, it’s EVERYWHERE.
- Later Years: Touring with Ringo Starr, exploring Christian music, and… selling real estate? Never a dull moment!
Digging Deeper: Hidden Gems in Derringer’s Discography
While “Hang On Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” are his biggest hits, Derringer has a ton of deep cuts that deserve a listen. Here are a few recommendations for the adventurous listener:
- “Teenage Queen”: A catchy, upbeat rocker from his solo years. Pure ear candy!
- “Still Alive and Well” (Johnny Winter): Derringer played on this blues-rock classic. Essential listening!
- Anything from the Edgar Winter Group’s “They Only Come Out at Night” album: Beyond “Frankenstein,” there are some killer tracks on this record.
The “Real American” Legacy: More Than Just a Wrestling Theme
Okay, let’s be honest, “Real American” is cheesy, but it’s *gloriously* cheesy. And its impact is undeniable. Beyond Hulk Hogan, it’s become a symbol of… well, *something.* Patriotism? Nostalgia? Unironic enjoyment of 80s excess? It’s all of the above!
The fact that it’s been used by politicians across the spectrum speaks volumes about its cultural resonance. It’s one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and makes you want to flex your biceps (even if you don’t *have* any biceps to flex!).
So, What Do YOU Think?
Rick Derringer’s career was a wild ride, to say the least. From teenage stardom to session work, parody production, wrestling themes, and even real estate, he did it all! Was he underrated? Did he deserve more recognition? What’s your favorite Derringer moment? Let me know in the comments below!
Rick Derringer: Frequently Asked Questions
What was Rick Derringer’s most famous song?
Rick Derringer is most famously known for his song “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” though his early hit with The McCoys, “Hang On Sloopy,” is also incredibly popular, especially in Ohio.
What other artists did Rick Derringer collaborate with?
Derringer collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, Cyndi Lauper, Bonnie Tyler, and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
What was Rick Derringer’s involvement with Hulk Hogan?
Rick Derringer co-wrote and produced Hulk Hogan’s iconic theme song, “Real American,” for the World Wrestling Federation.
Rick Derringer: A Diverse and Lasting Legacy
From his early success with “Hang On Sloopy” to his solo career, session work, and contributions to wrestling themes, Rick Derringer’s impact on music is undeniable. His versatility and talent will be remembered for years to come.
