Rick Derringer, ‘Hang on Sloopy’ Singer and Wrestling Theme Writer, Passes Away at 77

Rick Derringer, a legendary figure in rock and pop music known for his six-decade career and iconic hits like “Hang on Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo,” has died. His caretaker, Tony Wilson, confirmed Derringer passed away Monday evening in Ormond Beach, Florida. Derringer was 77 and had been in ill health for some time. No cause of death was shared.

From Teen Stardom to Rock Guitar Icon

Born Richard Dean Zehringer in Ohio in 1947, Derringer’s musical journey began early when he received a guitar for his ninth birthday. By his teenage years, he was already playing gigs with his uncle, a country musician. Soon, he formed the band the McCoys with his brother Randy.

The McCoys’ breakout moment came in 1965 with the smash hit “Hang on Sloopy,” a cover of “My Girl Sloopy.” The song shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Ohio’s official state rock song in 1985. It has remained a fixture at Ohio State football games for decades, making it one of the most enduring anthems in rock history.

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Collaborations and Classic Hits

Rick Derringer’s career was marked by versatility. He was a fiery guitarist and powerful singer who became a key player in New York’s vibrant rock scene during the ’70s and ’80s. Derringer worked closely with the Edgar Winter Group, producing their massive instrumental hit “Frankenstein” and serving as their guitarist.

His solo hit “Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo” has enjoyed a lasting legacy, appearing in the movie “Dazed and Confused” and the hit series “Stranger Things.” Derringer’s band toured heavily in the mid-1970s, renowned for their electrifying guitar duels and showmanship.

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Session Work with Music Legends

Throughout his career, Derringer contributed as a session musician for some of the biggest names in music, including Steely Dan, Todd Rundgren, Alice Cooper, Kiss, and Barbra Streisand. Notably, he played guitar solos on two iconic 1980s ballads: Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and Air Supply’s “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” both penned by Jim Steinman.

Wrestling Themes and Cultural Impact

In the mid-1980s, Derringer’s path took an unexpected turn into professional wrestling. He produced the World Wrestling Federation’s “The Wrestling Album,” creating theme songs for popular wrestlers. His most famous work in this arena was co-writing Hulk Hogan’s “Real American,” a song with an enduring cultural impact.

“Real American” has been used in surprising ways, from President Barack Obama’s 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner to Hillary Clinton’s campaign, and later by President Donald Trump, uniting very different political figures through this catchy anthem.

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Later Years and Legacy

Rick Derringer continued performing with renowned artists like Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band and Peter Frampton. In his later years, he released Christian-themed albums with his wife, Jenda, and remained a passionate musician and performer.

From teen sensation to guitar legend, Derringer’s influence on rock music and pop culture is vast. His work spans hit songs, iconic collaborations, and memorable contributions to the world of wrestling entertainment. His legacy will live on through the countless fans and artists he inspired.